In-Depth Notes for ABA Exam Preparation

Data Collection Methods

  • Best Method to Track Frequency:
    • Clicker counter
  • Type of Data When Timing Get Dressed:
    • Duration
  • Data Collection of Grocery List Purchase:
    • Permanent product
  • Role in Functional Assessment as RBT:
    • Assist with the assessment
  • Primary Role as an RBT:
    • Implementation of treatment

Observable and Measurable Behaviors

  • Observable Behavior Example:
    • Susie snapped her pencil in half after incorrectly answered a math problem.

Measurement Types

  • Decrease Time Between Bites Data Collection:
    • Inter-Response Time (IRT)
  • Difference Between Frequency and Rate:
    • Rate is frequency with a time component added.
  • First Step Before Data Collection:
    • Define the target behavior.
  • Interval Recording Underestimating Behavior:
    • Whole interval recording
  • Type of Discontinuous Measurement:
    • Partial interval recording

Preference Assessments

  • Goal of Preference Assessment:
    • Find out what is reinforcing to the client.

Training Techniques

  • Shaping Example:
    • Gradually raise requirements for reinforcement until the target behavior is achieved (e.g., 'bubble').
  • Backward Chaining Example:
    • When teaching hand washing, teach drying hands first.

Reinforcement Procedures

  • Delivering Reinforcement for Sitting in Chair:
    • Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI)
  • Reinforcement for Not Screaming:
    • Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO)
  • Functional Communication Training for Break Requests:
    • Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior (DRA)

Behavioral Techniques

  • Teaching Process Elements:
    • Antecedent, behavior, consequence, pause: Natural Environment Training (NET)
  • Prompt Delivery Timing:
    • After the SD, before the response.
  • Antecedent for Behavior Example:
    • Dad telling Billy to grab his soccer bag.
  • Skill Breakdown Process:
    • Task analysis.

Ethical and Compliance Issues

  • Acceptable Dual Relationships:
    • No, violating professional ethics.
  • Response to Parents Asking for Training:
    • Informing BCBA of parent desire to be trained.

Data and Documentation

  • Session Notes Requirement:
    • Objective, factual data included.
  • Measuring Latency in Behavior:
    • Time from SD to first behavior instance.
  • Permanent Product Data Measurement:
    • Measuring the output or result of a behavior, such as food eaten.

Measurement Techniques in Practice

  • Measuring Time Between Amazon Orders:
    • IRT (Inter-Response Time)
  • Measuring New Foods Tried by Client:
    • Frequency
  • Reinforcement Procedure for Not Calling Names:
    • Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO)

Professional Boundaries and Dilemmas

  • Response to Client’s Mom Asking About Diet:
    • Refer to supervisor without sharing personal opinions.
  • Responding to Feedback from BCBA:
    • Use it professionally to improve even if disagreeing.

Graphical Representation

  • X-Axis of Line Graph:
    • Time
  • Y-Axis of Line Graph:
    • Behavior

Ethics and Compliance Questions

  • Responding to Ethical Dilemmas:
    • Consider the right thing to do, all options.

Final Notes

  • Behavior Difficulty to Extinguish:
    • Behavior on intermittent reinforcement schedule.
  • Best Schedule for Teaching New Skills:
    • Fixed Ratio 1 (FR1).