Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) 40-Hour Lecture Notes

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

“Y” axis: where is it located and what does it track?

The “Y” axis is drawn up from the left (L) corner of the graph. It is the vertical axis. It tracks frequency, duration and percentage of occurrences. Example: frequency/hour

“X” axis: what does it represent?

The “X” axis is the horizontal line drawn from the left "(L) corner of the graph. It represents passage of time. It is usually labeled with dates or sessions. This is where client data is represented.

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.

Define: Validity. Give an example involving destruction of property.

Validity refers to whether what is being measured is actually a product of the behavior. Example: A BCBA defines “property destruction” as the client breaking plates. However, the RBT is measuring how many times the client hits her. This makes the data NOT valid.

Define: Reliability. Give an example about a client covering their ears.

Reliability focuses on whether the measurement will give the same results or data when presented repeatedly. Example: If a client covers their ears 30 times per hour, will the number of ear covering (30) be close or the same every additional hour? If yes, the measurement is deemed reliable.

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.

Define: Escape. Give an example.

Escape is defined as avoiding or running away from an unpleasant task and/or situation. Example: the client leaves their seat multiple times during a class session and starts shouting (“acting out”) during difficult tasks.

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

The RBT ensures their actions DO NOT change the behavior during data collection. What is this called?

Avoiding influence.

What are “verbal operants?” Give examples.

Verbal operants are different ways people use language to communicate. Examples include asking for things, naming objects, repeating words and answering questions.

What does “mastering communication” do?

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

What is a “fixed ration” (FR) schedule? Give an example using “raising their hand.”

FR schedules give reinforcements AFTER an EXACT NUMBER of occurrences of the targeted behavior. Example: An RBT praises a client after every 5th time they raise their hand.

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

Define: Skill-based assessments

Skill based assessments evaluate a client’s strengths and deficits in various areas. Areas include communication, social interactions, and daily living skills.

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.

Define: Assent

The client shows willingness to engage, such as through body language or verbal agreement.

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.