ABA Exam Coach

H.1: Develop intervention goals in observable and measurable terms.

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

A BCBA is drafting goals for Jaden, a 6-year-old who rarely interacts with classmates. Which goal is written in the most observable and measurable terms?
  1. A. Within 10 seconds of a peer entering the classroom, Jaden will say a greeting to that peer in at least 8 of 10 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    Correct. It names an observable response (saying a greeting), the condition (a peer enters the room), and a mastery criterion (8 of 10 opportunities on 3 consecutive days).
  2. B. Jaden will feel more comfortable around peers by the end of the school year.
    'Feel comfortable' is a private event with no observable definition or criterion, so data cannot show whether the goal was met.
  3. C. Jaden will improve his social skills with peers during recess.
    'Improve social skills' names a broad category, not a behavior two observers could count reliably, and it gives no criterion.
  4. D. Jaden will understand the importance of greeting classmates.
    'Understand' is an internal state that can't be observed directly, so you can't measure progress on it.
A behavior plan contains the goal: 'Mia will decrease tantrums at home.' The supervising BCBA says the goal is not yet ready for implementation. What is the most important thing to add?
  1. A. The specific edible that will be used as a reinforcer
    Choosing a reinforcer is part of the procedure. It doesn't make the goal any more measurable.
  2. B. The date the goal was written and the author's credentials
    This is useful documentation, but it doesn't touch the goal's measurability.
  3. C. A statement of the hypothesized function of the tantrums
    Function matters when you choose the intervention, but a goal statement doesn't need it to be observable and measurable.
  4. D. An operational definition of 'tantrum' and a measurable criterion (e.g., no more than 1 tantrum per day for 5 consecutive days)
    Correct. Without an operational definition and a criterion, observers can't record tantrums reliably or tell when the goal has been met.
A BCBA writes the objective: 'After using the toilet, Ana will wash her hands using the 12-step task analysis.' Which component of a complete behavioral objective is missing?
  1. A. A performance criterion
    Correct. The objective never says what level of performance counts as mastery (e.g., all 12 steps independently on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 days).
  2. B. The condition under which the behavior should occur
    The condition is already stated: 'After using the toilet.'
  3. C. The function of the behavior
    Behavioral objectives don't require a function statement. Function guides the choice of intervention for problem behavior.
  4. D. The target behavior
    The target behavior is stated: washing hands according to a task analysis.

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