ABA Exam Coach

H.6: Make data-based decisions about procedural integrity.

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

After 4 weeks, a client's DRA program shows little change in problem behavior. Treatment integrity checks show the RBT carries out the DRA steps correctly on 60% of opportunities. What is the best decision?
  1. A. Retrain the RBT using behavioral skills training and performance feedback, then reassess integrity before judging whether the intervention works
    Correct. With low integrity you can't tell whether the procedure or its implementation is at fault. Bringing integrity up first allows a valid judgment of effectiveness.
  2. B. Stop collecting integrity data, since client outcome data are enough
    Without integrity data, the BCBA can't interpret the outcome data or find implementation problems.
  3. C. Conclude that DRA is ineffective for this client and choose a new intervention
    The intervention hasn't really been tested. Poor implementation, not the procedure, may explain the weak results.
  4. D. Add a punishment component to make up for the slow progress
    Adding a more intrusive component without fixing implementation is unjustified and adds risk.
Integrity checks show that staff carry out a client's function-based plan with 95% accuracy across 4 weeks. Elopement rates haven't changed from baseline. What is the most appropriate data-based decision?
  1. A. Recognize that high integrity largely rules out implementation failure and revisit the assessment and intervention (e.g., re-check function, reinforcer strength)
    Correct. When integrity is high and the behavior hasn't changed, the plan itself (e.g., a mismatch with function, a weak reinforcer) is the likely problem and should be modified.
  2. B. Keep collecting integrity data for another month before changing anything
    Waiting without changing anything prolongs an ineffective intervention, which goes against the duty to keep evaluating and revising treatment.
  3. C. Increase supervision frequency without changing the plan
    More supervision of an accurately implemented, ineffective plan doesn't fix the plan.
  4. D. Retrain all staff on the plan, since implementation must be the problem
    The integrity data already show accurate implementation, so retraining doesn't address the likely problem.
A BCBA wants treatment integrity data that will show exactly which parts of a classroom plan a teacher needs help with. Which method best meets this goal?
  1. A. Reviewing the student's outcome data alone
    Outcome data show whether behavior changed, not how well the plan was implemented.
  2. B. Having the teacher rate her own implementation on a 1–5 scale at the end of each week
    Global self-ratings are prone to bias and don't identify which components are being implemented incorrectly.
  3. C. Counting the number of days the plan was in effect
    Days in effect show exposure, not how accurately each component was carried out.
  4. D. Direct observation with a component checklist that scores each step of the plan per opportunity
    Correct. Directly observing each component gives specific, objective data that point to errors you can then target with feedback.

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