C.12: Select a measurement procedure to obtain representative procedural integrity data that accounts for relevant dimensions (e.g., accuracy, dosage) and environmental constraints.
Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.
A BCBA prescribes a parent-implemented joint-attention program: 15-minute sessions, 5 days per week. After a month there is little progress. The parent says each step is done 'exactly as trained,' and the BCBA's observed sessions show high step accuracy. Which additional procedural integrity measure would be most informative?
- A. A parent log of the date and length of each session, checked against the prescribed number of sessions and minutes (dosage)Correct. Dosage (how many sessions and minutes are actually delivered) is a separate integrity dimension and a likely explanation for weak progress despite accurate implementation.
- B. IOA on the child's joint-attention responsesIncorrect. IOA on child behavior addresses the quality of outcome measurement, not whether the intervention is being delivered as prescribed.
- C. A checklist of accuracy on each program step during observed sessionsIncorrect. Accuracy is already known to be high. It does not show whether the child is getting the prescribed amount of treatment.
- D. A social validity questionnaire about the parent's satisfactionIncorrect. Social validity is important, but it does not measure whether the program was delivered as intended.
A supervisor wants to measure how accurately RBTs implement a 6-step discrete-trial procedure (secure attention, present SD, wait, deliver prompt as needed, deliver consequence, record data). Which approach is most appropriate?
- A. Record the client's percentage of correct responses as an index of RBT fidelity.Incorrect. Client outcomes are affected by many variables and are not a direct measure of implementer behavior.
- B. Score each step as correct or incorrect for observed trials and report the percentage of steps implemented correctly.Correct. A component checklist scored during direct observation measures the accuracy of implementation and shows which steps need retraining.
- C. Ask each RBT to rate their own fidelity on a 1–5 scale at the end of the day.Incorrect. Global self-ratings are indirect and often overestimate fidelity.
- D. Count the number of sessions each RBT completes per week.Incorrect. The number of sessions relates to dosage, not to how accurately each trial is implemented.
A BCBA oversees a behavior plan carried out by 12 staff across three shifts in a residential program. She cannot observe every session. Which plan for collecting procedural integrity data best balances representativeness with the setting's constraints?
- A. Sample observations (live or by video) across staff, shifts, and days on a rotating, unpredictable schedule, and score them with a component checklist that includes accuracy and dosage.Correct. Sampling across implementers, times, and conditions on an unpredictable schedule gives representative data within practical limits and reduces reactivity.
- B. Announce observation days in advance so staff can prepare and show their best performance.Incorrect. Announced observations invite reactivity and may show inflated integrity that does not match typical performance.
- C. Observe the same day-shift staff member each Monday morning, because that staff member is the most experienced.Incorrect. Sampling one person at one time cannot represent integrity across staff and shifts.
- D. Rely on staff self-report forms completed after every shift.Incorrect. Self-report is efficient, but it is indirect and tends to overestimate integrity, so it cannot serve as the only source of integrity data.