RBT Exam Study Guide: Measurement in ABA

This guide will help you review key concepts related to measurement as outlined in Section A of the RBT Task List. Measurement is essential in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for tracking behaviors and making data-based decisions to improve client progress.

1. Significance of Measurement in ABA

* Why measure behavior?

* Measurement allows you to objectively track a learner's progress.

* Data-based decision-making involves analyzing collected data to determine the effectiveness of interventions and whether changes are needed.

2. RBT Task A-1: Prepare for Data Collection

Before collecting data each session:

* Review Target Behaviors: Be clear on the behaviors and goals to track.

* Gather Necessary Materials:

* Paper data sheets and pen (for paper-based data collection).

* Tablet or device with the electronic data system.

* Timer for tracking duration, interresponse time, or response latency.

* Clicker for counting behaviors.

* Tip: Keep your materials easily accessible for quick transitions between environments.

3. RBT Task A-2: Implement Continuous Measurement Procedures

Continuous measurement involves recording every occurrence of a behavior when feasible.

Types of Continuous Measurement:

1. Count: The number of times a behavior occurs.

* Example: Patrick punched his brother 3 times.

2. Frequency/Rate: The number of times a behavior occurs over a specific time period (time measure included).

* Example: Dahlia bit her hand 6 times per hour.

3. Response Latency: Time between the onset of a stimulus (e.g., an instruction) and the start of the behavior.

* Example: It took 3 minutes for the child to sit down after the instruction "Come sit down."

4. Interresponse Time (IRT): The time between two occurrences of a behavior.

* Example: Maya raised her hand at 9:00 AM and again at 9:05 AM. The IRT is 5 minutes.

5. Duration: The total time a behavior occurs.

* Example: Benji screamed for 3 minutes.

4. RBT Task A-3: Implement Discontinuous Measurement Procedures

Discontinuous measurement records some occurrences of a behavior, not all. Useful when it’s not feasible to record every instance.

Types of Discontinuous Measurement:

1. Whole Interval Recording:

* Break the observation into equal intervals (e.g., 2 minutes).

* Record if the behavior occurred for the entire interval.

* Example: Record “✔” if the client spat for the full 2-minute interval.

2. Partial Interval Recording:

* Record if the behavior occurred at any point during the interval.

* Example: If the client engaged in head-banging during any part of the 7-minute interval, record “✔.”

3. Momentary Time Sampling:

* At the end of each interval, observe if the behavior is happening at that specific moment.

* Example: At the end of each 5-minute interval, observe if students are on task and record “✔” or “–”.

5. RBT Task A-4: Implement Permanent-Product Recording Procedures

* Permanent-Product Recording involves measuring behavior based on its end product, rather than the behavior itself.

* Example: Measure the completion of homework based on whether the student turned it in.

6. RBT Task A-5: Enter Data and Update Graphs

* Graphing Data: Graphs display the relationship between the behavior and time, aiding in analysis.

* Line Graphs are most common.

* X-axis: Typically represents time (e.g., dates or session numbers).

* Y-axis: Represents the measure of the behavior (e.g., frequency, duration).

* Task: Update graphs with session data to track progress and assist in decision-making.

7. RBT Task A-6: Describe Behavior and Environment in Observable and Measurable Terms

* Observable and Measurable: Behaviors should be described using clear, objective terms that can be directly observed and quantified.

* Correct: “Client ran from RBT when instructed to sit down.”

* Incorrect: “Client was really hyper and didn’t want to listen.”

* Dead Man’s Test: If a dead man (or inanimate object) can do it, it’s not a behavior. For instance, “non-compliance” isn't a behavior, as a dead man wouldn’t comply.

Key Takeaways:

* Measurement is essential in ABA to track behavior, evaluate progress, and guide decision-making.

* Continuous measurement records all occurrences of a behavior, while discontinuous measurement tracks selected instances.

* Use permanent-product recording to measure outcomes of behavior rather than the behavior itself.

* Be precise in describing behaviors using observable and measurable terms to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis.