Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) 40-Hour Lecture Notes

This flashcard deck covers lessons intro-20 for the ATCC 40-hour ATCC online program

What are the (7) components of a graph?

The seven components of a graph include: Horizontal (X) axis, Vertical (Y) axis, condition change lines, condition labels, data points, data path and figure caption.

What are the (3) criteria that needs to be met in order to draw a graph?

The three criteria that needs to be met includes: reliability, accuracy, and validity.

What is “Permanent Products?” Give an example involving bed wetting.

Permanent products measure a target behavior AFTER it occurs. This allows for the measurement that the clients behavior had on the environment. Example: An RBT can see if the client had an instance on incontinence by checking if their bed sheets are wet in the morning.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of “momentary?”

Advantage: it is helpful if the RBT is simultaneously working on other activities, since it DOES NOT involve continuous observation. The RBT only has to watch for the behavior at the end of the session, which allows for easy data collection.
Disadvantage: Occurrences of the behavior can be missed. This may lead to an underestimated number of occurrences of the behavior. If the behavior is LOW FREQUENCY or LASTS FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME, it is NOT recommended.

What is “Momentary Time Sampling?” When is it marked? What is it reported as? When is it ideal to use?

Momentary time sampling is an observation period that is broken into equal intervals. The RBT does NOT have to watch the client continuously. Behavior is only marked as “occurred” at the END of the interval. It is reported as a percentage. It is ideal to use in a CLASSROOM setting.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of “partial interval recording?”

Advantage: the observer DOES NOT have to watch the client once the target behavior already occurred. It can help with collecting data on multiple behaviors. It is useful when the environment is distracting.
Disadvantage: It OVERESTIMATES the duration of the targeted behavior. It UNDERESTIMATES the rate of HIGH FREQUENCY behaviors.

Why is graphing important?

Graphing becomes important when making TREATMENT decisions. BCBAs can visually see the data, allowing them to see changes in the target behavior.

Kyle screams every time the trash truck comes by. The BCBA tells the parents she needs to figure out the exact reasoning behind the screaming. What is this an example of?

This is an example of a function of a behavior.

Kyle was excited to see the trash truck up close. The RBT thinks he might want to run outside to touch the truck so he can feel the engine running. What is this called? Why does this behavior occur?

This is called “tangible access.” The behavior occurs when the client wants to get their desired item and/or activity.

Give an example of an “uncomfortable” stimulus. Use a trash truck as an example.

Kyle dislikes the sound of the trash truck. He screams as a way to ask for his headphones. The headphones help block out the noise of the truck.

Kyle got frightened by the trash truck. He was seeking comfort from his Mother. His Mother hugs and reassures him. What is this an example of?

This is an example of Tention Acess

What does “mastering communication” do?

Mastering communication opens the door to meaningful interactions, shared experiences, and allows for deeper bonds with others.

What are clinical settings good for? Name (3) things.

Communication, self-care and 1:1 sessions.

What is a crucial step for RBTs BEFORE a session occurs?

Reviewing procedures and documentation.

What documents should be reviewed daily by RBT’s? Why?

(1) Daily session notes: shows the overall progress and observations of the last session.
(2) Goal performance metrics: Shows trends of skill acquision goals and behavior reduction targets.
(3) Graphs and charts
(4) Informal team communication notes: what reinforcers were used, what were the parents told, and are there any special instructions
(5) Behavior intervention plans (BIPs): A guide for decreasing behaviors

What do skill-based assessments provide?

They provide a clear picture of what skills the client has already mastered and where support is needed. Knowing this information allows for interventions to be tailored to that specific clients needs.

Why is assessing skills important?

It is crucial for creating personalized intervention plans. For example: by the RBT identifying specific deficits, the BCBA can set measurable goals to help the client make progress in their targeted area.

What are the (3) skill-based assessments?

Curriculum based, developmental and social skill assessments

What do curriculum based assessment cover?

Curriculum based assessments cover a wide range of domains. Such domains include language, imitation, and play skills.

What do developmental assessments focus on?

Developmental assessments focus on milestones for age-appropriate growth.

What do social skills assessments evaluate?

Social skill assessments evaluate a range of social interactions and communication skills.

What is the RBTs role in assessments?

RBTs prepare materials, collect data, and observing behavior. They follow specific instructions to allow the assessment to be conducted accurately and professionally. The data collected is then used by the BCBA to create intervention plans tailored to a specific clients needs.

What are ways an RBT can adjust the environment so the client feels comfortable?

Providing comfortable chairs or offering a preferred warm-up activity.

How do RBTs assist with role-playing scenarios? Give an example.

RBTs may act as participants or observers to ensure the situation accurately reflects the assessment goal. For example: an RBT might take on the role of a peer, pretending to have a peer-like social interaction with the client, so that the RBT can observe how the client communicates or responds to social interactions.

What is role-playing used for? Give an example.

Role-playing is used during skill assessments to create controlled opportunities to observe a client’s responses in specific situations. For example: a client may practice functional communication by requesting help during a simulated social interaction. Role-plays occur in a realistic yet structed environment.

Why is IMMEDIACY important?

Rewarding immediately after a favorable outcome prompts changes in learning and behavior

What is the acronym for the primary functions of behavior?

SEAT: Sensory, escape, attention and tangible.

What is instructional control?

When a client response to instructions consistently due to TRUST and ENJOYABLE environment.

What is ABA? What is its main goal?

The main goal is to improve socially significant behaviors through evidence based methods. ABA aims to INCREASE helpful behaviors, and DECREASE unhelpful behaviors.

Give an example of teaching stimuli’s. Give an example of reinforcers. Why is key to using both?

Teaching: Flashcards, toys, picture schedules.
Reinforcers: Snacks, toys, tokens, favorite videos and music.
The key: ROTATION so the client stays engaged.

What is “observable times”? Why does it matter?

Observable time is the exact duration of a therapy session or observation period used to accurately calculate a client’s behavioral rate (count / observable time = rate). It helps describe behavior, stimuli and the environments clearly and consistently. It avoids guessing and assumptions from the RBT, ultimately eliminating subjective language and misunderstandings.

What is the function of behavior?

Behaviors, both good and bad, are learned and continuous by the effects they have on the environment and human responses.

What is a crucial component regarding measurement?

Tracking behaviors and accurately recording measurements.

Practicing the ABCs: The teacher says those who finish their homework on time will get extra free time. Tell me the ABC.

A: Antecedent: Teacher says those who finish their homework on time will get extra free time.
B: Behavior: Student completes homework on time.
C: Consequence: Teach gives praise and student gets free time.

What are the Phases of behavior-analytic intervention?

Baseline
Intervention
Generalization
Maintence

What are the DISADVANTAGES of “Frequency?”

Disadvantage: When behavior occurs at high rates, or are complex, accurate data collection is difficult to obtain. Confusion can happen regarding which response/behavior the RBT should collect frequency on. Ex: Teeth brushing. Are we collecting data on the ACTUAL brushing of the teeth, or the COMPLETE chain of behaviors to brush said teeth?

Define a sensory behavior.

The behavior is self-soothing, such as rocking back and forth. It DOES NOT rely on others reactions.

Give an example of a self-stimulatory (automatic) reinforcement using Kyle and the trash truck.

Kyle enjoyed the sounds of his screams and found it fun. He wanted to match the pitch of the trash truck. Here, the behavior feels good and/or calming for Kyle. His reaction is NOT dependent on others reactions.

What is “pairing?” regarding an RBT?

Pairing is associating yourself with fun and enjoyable experiences that the client likes. This allows the client to see you as a positive to be around.

What are the different “discontinuous measurement” types? What question should you ask for each one?

Partial Interval: Does the behavior occur at any point?
Whole Interval: Does the behavior occur throughout the ENTIRE interval?
Momentary: Is the behavior happening at a specific moment in time?

What is the 1st step in preparing a client for service delivery?

Greet the client and caregivers. Review notes. Ensure the environment is safe and distraction free.

What is an acquisition goal?

Helping a client learn a new goal by systematically phasing out prompts to encourage independent responses. This requires structured teaching prompts and repeated practice.

Why are verbal operants important in ABA?

It helps teach meaningful communication skills. Improves a persons ability to interact with others. Meets a persons own needs.

What is the definition of “environment?”

It is related to stimuli, but environment is a broader term. EVERYTHING around the client is their environment. Includes all external conditions, events, and objects that influence behavior, even if affects are not immediate.

What factors contribute to UNREALIABLE data collection?

Observer drift: RBT gradually changes how an operational definition applies.

Bias in recording: RBT records personal expectations instead of what REALLY occurred.

Inconsistency in measurement systems: Data does NOT reflect client’s behavior

Environment: poor training/distractions

Why does describing things in observable and measurable terms matter?

It helps the whole team agree on what they see, and allows the team to make better decisions for the client’s care.

What are the (3) preference assessments?

Paired stimulus
Multiple Stimuli without replacement (MSWO)
Free Operant

What does paired stimulus assessments involve?

Presenting two items at a time to identify clear preferences

What multiple Stimuli without replacement assessment involve?

Helps rank preferences by removing chosen items

What does free operant assessments involve?

Measures how long the client interacts with each item when given free access.

What are preference assessments used for?

They are used to find items, activities, or experiences that the client enjoys. These items will likely function as reinforcers.

How to RBTs conduct multiple stimuli without replacement preferences (MSWO)

(1) Gather items to assess gather 5-7 items, such as toys, snacks or activities.

(2) Offer multiple items. Place all items in front of the client at the same time. Allow the client to choose one item, and give the client a brief opportunity to play or engage with it.

(3) Remove the chosen item from the array once the client selects it. Rearrange the remaining items.

(4) Repeat until all items are chosen.

(5) Rank each item based on the order in which the item was selected. This helps determine a hierarchy of client preferences.

How do RBTs conduct multiple stimuli with replacement (MSWI)

(1) Gather items to assess gather 5-7 items, such as toys, snacks or activities.

(2) Place all items in front of the client at the same time. Once the client selects an item, allowing them to play with it briefly before moving to the next trail.

(3) Keep the chosen item in the array. Replace the unchosen items with new options (or keep them the same, it is dependent on the assessments goals). This allows the client to repeatedly select their most preferred item.

(4) Repeat until the required number of trials are complete. This allows identification of the clients more preferred item, and allows for the RBT to know a broader range of items the client enjoys.

(5) Analyze and summarize results. Review the data to determine how often each item was selected. Create a list of reinforcers that can motivate the client and be used as effective reinforcers during therapy sessions.

What are the (4) most common verbal operants?

MTEI: Mand, Tact, Echoic and Interverbal

How do verbal operants help learning?

Verbal operants focus on specific types of language used. They allow RBTs to break down and teach communication skills step by step. This makes it easier for learners to succeed.

When do tacts usually occur? Give an example.

When someone is labeling something in their environment. Example: someone sees a dog and says “dogs.”

When do MANDS usually occur? Give an example using “receiving a glass of water.”

When someone is missing or wanting something. The client typically gets what they asked for. Example: when a person is thirsty and asks for water.

What is the difference between a FIXED and a VARIABLE schedule? Give an example of each.

Fixed: reinforcement given AFTER a set NUMBER of responses. Number is an exact amount. Example: the RBT gives the client praise after every 5 times they raise their hand.

Variable: reinforcement is given after an UNPREDICTABLE number of responses. Example: the RBT gives the client praise after 3 hand raises, then 7 hand raises, then 5 hand raises…etc.

How is latency displayed? For example: data collected on 11/1 was 10s, 20s, 16s and 14s. How would latency be displayed? What is the latency?

When the demand is presented multiple times, the average is calculated. For the example above, the average latency is 15s. Latency is displayed on a graph by mean/median and range.

How is baseline data collected?

The RBT observes the client and records behavior without prompts, rewards or teaching.

How does a client progress to a naturally occurring reinforcement?

The major goal of transitioning is to get the client to rely on natural reinforcers, such as praise from others. The praise SHOULD NOT be planned and/or structured.

Why does preparation matter?

Ensures the session runs smoothly.

Not knowing where materials are leads to non-effective learning for the client.
Maximizies learning while minimizing distractions
Discusses expectations to caregivers so they are ready to assist and/or observe.

Why do behaviors continue?

When the behavior is reinforced, such as when the client gets what they want during a tantrum, the behavior increases.

When do intraverbals usually occur? Give an example.

In conversations, or when answering questions. Example: the RBT says “what’s your name” and the client answers “Sarah.” The client is then encouraged through praise, or a positive social response.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of DISCONTINOUS MEASUREMENT?

Advantage: it can be done passively. An RBT does NOT have to be present.
Disadvantage: information is misleading. Data is estimated, which means it can be over or under estimated.

What is ratio in terms of reinforcement? What about interval?

Ratio: gives reinforcement based off the NUMBER of times a behavior occurs.
Interval: gives reinforcement based off the TIME that passes.

What is behavior analysis?

Behavioral analysis is a type of science that focuses on understanding and changing behaviors to improve peoples lives.

Define: Accuracy

Referred to as observed/true value. Refers to whether the reported data represents what actually occurred. Example: if the behavior happened (8) times, data should convey (8) occurrences.

In ABA, what is the definition of “response?” Give an example.

A specific action and/or behavior that is a reaction to what is happening in the clients environment. Example: speaking, moving, facial expressions…

What are different types of stimuli? Give an example with a clients favorite toy.

Antecedent: events and/or conditions that happen BEFORE a behavior. This helps identify triggers.

Consequence: events and/or conditions that happen AFTER a behavior. These behaviors are likely to happen again.

Example: Clients favorite toy is out of reach - client starts crying - client gets handed the toy

When should duration be used?

Behavior occurs too long, too short or too often.
When behavior is difficult to count.
When the primary importance is the length of time the behavior occurs.

When do echoics usually occur? Give an example using the word “apple.”

When someone HEARS something and REPEATS it back. Example: when an RBT says “apple” and the client says “apple” back.

What should an RBT do if the client appears to be sick or fatigued?

Notify supervisor and document client’s condition. NEVER continue intervention if it would negatively impact the client’s health and/or safety.

What is recorded with continuous measurement?

Each instance of the behavior is recorded.

What is ABA therapy’s primary target?

Teaching

What is the function of a behavior based on?

It’s history of reinforcement

What are the (4) functions of behavior?

Escape/Avoidance
Tangible
Attention
Sensory/Automatic functions

Give an example of the function, “escape.”

A client engages in elopement when the aftercare teacher walks toward him. In turn, the aftercare teacher turns around and goes off to do something else. By the client running off, they were able to avoid the task the aftercare teacher assigned.

Antecedent: aftercare teach walks toward client
Behavior: Client runs away
Consequence: client gets to escape/avoid demands from the aftercare teacher

Give an example of the function, “tangible.”

A client cries when a toy is taken from him and will stop crying once the toy is given back.

Antecedent: toy is taken away
Behavior: client cries
Consequence: toy is given back

Give an example of the function, “attention.”

The client’s mom is on the phone. He begins to bang his head against her body. His mom then hangs up the phone and reprimands him.

Antecedent: mom is on the phone, so her attention is diverted
Behavior: client bangs his head
Consequence: mom provides attention in the form of reprimand

Give an example of the function: “sensory/automatic”

A client is with his mom watching a movie. In the middle of the move, the client engages in head hitting. He does not stop when his mom looks at him.

Antecedent: mom and client are watching a movie
Behavior: SIB of head hitting
Consequence: Client’s SIB continues

What are some signs that indicate a child is seeking sensory experiences

Signs of sensory-seeking behavior may include attempting to eat nonfood objects, excessive bumping into others, making nonfunctional noises with their mouth, or engaging in self-injurious behaviors.

A-B-C Data: Define

Stands for Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence. It’s a tool used to record what triggers a behavior, the behavior itself, and what happens afterward.

What is the purpose of incorporating a sensory diet for sensory-seeking children?

To reduce reliance on challenging behaviors for sensory input

When should a sensory diet be scheduled for maximum effectiveness?

Before crucial focus times of the day

Which activity can provide sensory seekers with visual input?

Batting balloons

What is the reason for functional assessments?

They identify the reasons behind challenging behaviors by evaluating environmental variables and consequences.

What is an indirect assessment?

Interviewing caregivers and teacher

What is a descriptive assessment?

collecting ABC data and performing functional analysis

What is frequently collected during functional assessments?

Frequency (how often a behavior occurs) and duration (how long does the behavior last).

How does an RBT address challenges before performing a functional assessment?

The RBT should clarify ambiguous behavior definitions with the BCBA or pausing an activity to accurately record notes.

What does an ABC chart record? Why?

Antecedents, behaviors and consequences. It helps identify patterns.

Which type of functional assessment involves observing behaviors in natural settings without manipulating variables?

Descriptive Assessment

What is the main difference between a functional analysis and a descriptive assessment?

Functional analysis tests conditions by manipulating variables

How does ABC data differ from skill-based data?

 It identifies environmental causes of behavior

Jack’s toy-throwing occurs when a clean-up prompt is given. What function might this behavior serve?

Escaping the demand

List out the practical skills for an RBT

Session planning: use checklists, review clients plan
Workspace Organization: Avoids delays
Clear communication: understand client’s goals, have meetings and discussions with the team
Adapt Communication: Use simple terms when speaking to caregivers
Problem solving
Time management
Watch training videos and read manuals

What are the importances of accurate data collection?

Data drives decisions: are interventions working? Need changes? Was a skill mastered?
Ensures accountability: is the intervention plan being followed? Provides proof to supervisors, families and insurances.
Improves outcomes: is the plan helping? Are we giving sufficient support?
Inaccuracy delays progress: cannot tell if interventions are working
CONSISTENCY = SUCCESS!

What is included in the RBT code of ethics?

Honesty and professionalism: follow laws and ethics to ensure trustworthiness so services are effective
Use trained techniques ONLY
Collaborate with BCBA
Demonstrating Competence: must show competence before working with clients.
Train
Address personal challenges: be aware of biases, stress and health issues.

What are the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of “count”?

Advantage: identify how often a behavior occurs

Disadvantage: cannot be used alone due to not providing enough information to make useful treatment decisions.