RBT Assessment 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a paired stimulus (forced-choice) preference assessment, how many items are presented at a time?
- One
- Two (Correct answer)
- Three
- Four or more
Correct answer: Two
In a paired stimulus preference assessment, two items are presented simultaneously and the client selects one, which is then recorded as preferred in that pairing.
Question 2: An RBT records data on a client's tantrum behavior using whole interval recording. What does this method MOST likely do to frequency estimates?
- Overestimate the behavior
- Underestimate the behavior (Correct answer)
- Provide an exact count of occurrences
- Have no effect on accuracy
Correct answer: Underestimate the behavior
Whole interval recording only marks a behavior if it occurs throughout the entire interval, so brief or intermittent behaviors are often missed, leading to underestimates.
Question 3: Which assessment approach requires the RBT to directly observe the client in their natural environment without manipulating antecedents or consequences?
- Functional analysis
- Indirect assessment
- ABC (antecedent-behavior-consequence) recording (Correct answer)
- Paired stimulus preference assessment
Correct answer: ABC (antecedent-behavior-consequence) recording
ABC recording involves directly observing and recording naturally occurring antecedents, behaviors, and consequences without experimental manipulation.
Question 4: During a skills assessment, an RBT presents tasks across multiple domains. The client refuses all tasks and begins crying. What is the BEST immediate action?
- Continue the assessment to gather complete data
- End the session and document the client's refusal and emotional state (Correct answer)
- Offer preferred items to motivate the client to continue
- Skip to easier tasks to reduce distress
Correct answer: End the session and document the client's refusal and emotional state
The RBT should stop the assessment to protect client wellbeing, document what occurred, and report to the BCBA for guidance on next steps.
Question 5: A client's reinforcer effectiveness appears to be decreasing over the course of a session. This phenomenon is BEST described as:
- Satiation (Correct answer)
- Extinction
- Habituation
- Generalization
Correct answer: Satiation
Satiation occurs when a reinforcer loses its effectiveness due to repeated or excessive exposure, reducing the client's motivation to work for it.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a direct assessment method?
- Caregiver interview
- Rating scale completed by a teacher
- Behavioral Skills Training checklist
- Structured observation of behavior in a clinic (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Structured observation of behavior in a clinic
Direct assessment involves observing and measuring behavior as it occurs, such as structured observation in a clinic setting.
Question 7: After completing a preference assessment, the RBT identifies three high-preference items. What is the next step before using these items as reinforcers in a program?
- Begin using them immediately to maximize motivation
- Conduct a reinforcer assessment to confirm they increase behavior (Correct answer)
- Ask the client which item they want to use first
- Present the items only as rewards at the end of sessions
Correct answer: Conduct a reinforcer assessment to confirm they increase behavior
A reinforcer assessment (or reinforcer probe) is needed to confirm that high-preference items actually function as reinforcers by strengthening the target behavior.
RBT Assessment 5
When conducting a paired stimulus (forced-choice) preference assessment, how many items are presented at a time?