UNITS A-F RBT STUDY GYUIDE

Measurement

The systematic process of collecting data on behavior to objectively evaluate progress and guide treatment decisions

Data-Based Decision Making

Using collected data to determine whether to continue, modify, or change interventions

Data Collection Preparation

Reviewing targets and ensuring all materials needed for data collection are ready before the session

Continuous Measurement

Recording every occurrence of a target behavior when feasible

Count

The total number of times a behavior occurs

Frequency

The number of times a behavior occurs within a specified time period

Rate

Frequency expressed with a time component, such as per hour or per day

Duration

The total time a behavior lasts from start to finish

Response Latency

The time between an SD and the start of the behavior

Interresponse Time (IRT)

The time between the end of one response and the beginning of the next response

Discontinuous Measurement

Recording behavior during selected intervals rather than continuously

Whole Interval Recording

Recording whether a behavior occurred for the entire interval

Partial Interval Recording

Recording whether a behavior occurred at any point during the interval

Momentary Time Sampling

Recording whether a behavior is occurring at the end of an interval

Permanent Product Recording

Measuring behavior by evaluating a tangible outcome of the behavior

Line Graph

A graph connecting data points over time to show behavior trends

X-Axis

The horizontal axis representing time or session number

Y-Axis

The vertical axis representing the behavior measurement

Observable Behavior

A behavior that can be seen or heard

Measurable Behavior

A behavior that can be quantified using data

Dead Man’s Test

A test stating that if a dead person can do it, it is not a behavior

Assessment

The process of gathering information to guide individualized ABA programming

Preference Assessment

An assessment used to identify items or activities a learner prefers

Indirect Preference Assessment

Identifying preferences through interviews or questionnaires

Free Operant Preference Assessment

Observing which items a learner engages with when given free access

Single Stimulus Preference Assessment

Presenting one item at a time and recording engagement

Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment

Presenting two items at a time and recording the learner’s choice

Multiple Stimulus With Replacement (MSW)

Replacing the selected item back into the array after each choice

Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO)

Removing selected items from future choices during the assessment

Preference Hierarchy

A ranked list of preferred items based on assessment results

Skill-Based Assessment

An assessment identifying a learner’s existing skills and deficits

VB-MAPP

A criterion-referenced assessment of verbal behavior and developmental milestones

ABLLS-R

An assessment measuring language, learning, and functional skills

AFLS

An assessment measuring functional living and vocational skills across the lifespan

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

A process used to identify the function of interfering or harmful behavior

Indirect Functional Assessment

Gathering behavior information without direct observation

Descriptive Assessment

Direct observation and recording of behavior in natural environments

ABC Data

Recording antecedent, behavior, and consequence for a specific behavior instance

Functional Analysis (FA)

An experimental procedure that demonstrates the function of behavior through manipulation of variables

Behavior Reduction Plan (BIP)

A written plan outlining strategies to reduce interfering behavior

Target Behavior

A behavior selected for intervention and clearly defined

Operational Definition

A precise description of a behavior that is observable and measurable

Function of Behavior

The reason a behavior occurs or what it produces for the learner

Automatic Reinforcement

Behavior maintained by internal sensory consequences

Escape

Behavior maintained by avoiding or ending an unpleasant situation

Attention

Behavior maintained by gaining social interaction

Access to Tangibles

Behavior maintained by gaining items or activities

Antecedent

What occurs immediately before a behavior

Antecedent Modification

Changing the environment before behavior occurs to reduce problem behavior

Motivating Operation (MO)

An event that alters the value of a reinforcer

Establishing Operation (EO)

An MO that increases the value of a reinforcer

Abolishing Operation (AO)

An MO that decreases the value of a reinforcer

Discriminative Stimulus (SD)

A stimulus signaling reinforcement is available for a behavior

Differential Reinforcement

Reinforcing one behavior while placing another on extinction

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)

Reinforcing a specific appropriate replacement behavior

Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)

Reinforcing the absence of the target behavior

Extinction

Withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior

Extinction Burst

A temporary increase in behavior when extinction is first implemented

Crisis Plan

Written procedures for responding to dangerous behaviors or medical emergencies

Documentation

Written records describing what occurred during services

Objective Session Notes

Notes containing only observable and measurable information

Service Verification

Documentation confirming services were delivered as billed

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Identifiable client health information

HIPAA

A federal law requiring protection of client health information

Professional Conduct

Ethical behavior required of RBTs

Scope of Practice

The tasks an RBT is permitted to perform based on certification

RBT Role

Implementing treatment plans written by a BCBA

RBT Supervision Requirement

At least 5 percent of direct service hours must be supervised monthly

Face-to-Face Supervision

Real-time supervision conducted in person or via live video

Supervision Log

Documentation of all supervision contacts

Stakeholders

Individuals with a vested interest in the client’s care

Authorized Communication

Sharing client information only with approved individuals

Professional Boundaries

Limits that protect the therapeutic relationship

Dual Relationship

A relationship beyond the professional role between an RBT and client or caregiver

Conflict of Interest

A situation where personal interests interfere with professional judgment

Client Dignity

Treating clients with respect, autonomy, and compassion

Assent

The client’s willingness to participate in services

Assent Withdrawal

Indicating a desire to stop participation

An RBT records whether a client is on-task only at the end of every 5-minute interval

Momentary time sampling

An RBT measures how long it takes a client to begin cleaning up after being told to do so

Response latency

An RBT presents two toys at a time and records which one the learner selects, pairing all items with each other

Paired stimulus preference assessment

An RBT presents a skill once without prompting and records the learner’s first response only

Probing

An RBT says “What is it?” while pointing to a cup and immediately says “cup” to evoke the response

Verbal prompt

A learner independently completes the final step of a task while all earlier steps are prompted

Backward chaining

A client screams to gain attention, attention is withheld for screaming but given for raising a hand

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA)

A behavior temporarily increases in frequency and intensity when extinction is first implemented

Extinction burst

A session note states “Client left the table for 3 minutes following instruction”

Objective session note

A caregiver reports the client started a new medication and the RBT documents it and informs the supervisor

Reporting variables affecting the client

A caregiver asks an RBT to change the behavior plan and the RBT refers them to the BCBA

Acting within scope of practice

An RBT accepts a one-time $5 thank-you card at discharge

Ethical gift exchange

An RBT observes whether a behavior occurred at any point during an interval

Partial interval recording

An RBT records whether a behavior occurred for the entire duration of each interval

Whole interval recording

An RBT withholds reinforcement for a behavior that was previously reinforced

Extinction

An event temporarily increases the value of a reinforcer due to deprivation

Establishing operation

A stimulus signals reinforcement is available because of a history of reinforcement

Discriminative stimulus (SD)

A tangible outcome of behavior is measured instead of direct observation

Permanent product recording

A client leaves the therapy area without permission and a written safety procedure is followed

Crisis plan

An RBT avoids social media connections with a current client’s caregiver

Maintaining professional boundaries

A BCBA asks an RBT to collect data on a learner’s ability to brush teeth, prepare simple meals, and complete household chores independently

AFLS