BCBA BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST
EXAMINATION ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND
WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
Section 1: Questions 1–50
1. A behavior analyst is defining a target behavior for data collection. Which
definition is MOST appropriate?
A. The client is often aggressive during transitions.
B. The client shows frustration when demands are placed.
C. Any instance in which the client hits, kicks, or bites another person
with sufficient force to make contact.
D. The client becomes upset and acts out.
*Rationale: Operational definitions must be objective, observable, and
measurable.
2. A functional relation is BEST demonstrated by:
A. Anecdotal reports from caregivers.
B. Correlation between two variables.
C. Repeated demonstration that manipulation of the IV reliably changes
, the DV.
D. Statistical significance alone.
*Rationale: Functional relations require experimental control.
3. In an ABA reversal design, the primary purpose of returning to baseline is
to:
A. Increase participant motivation.
B. Demonstrate experimental control.
C. Reduce ethical risk.
D. Generalize behavior change.
*Rationale: Reversal strengthens evidence that the IV caused behavior
change.
4. Which schedule produces the highest steady rate of responding?
A. Fixed interval
B. Variable ratio
C. Fixed ratio
D. Variable interval
*Rationale: VR schedules generate high, steady response rates.
5. A BCBA is asked to accept a case outside their area of competence.
According to the Ethics Code, the BCBA should FIRST:
A. Decline the case outright.
, B. Seek appropriate training, supervision, or consultation.
C. Accept and learn on the job.
D. Refer without explanation.
*Rationale: Ethical practice requires competence or obtaining it.
6. Which is an example of negative reinforcement?
A. Giving praise after homework.
B. Removing toys after tantrums.
C. Turning off a loud alarm when a response occurs.
D. Presenting a token after correct responses.
*Rationale: Negative reinforcement involves removal of an aversive
stimulus.
7. In a multiple baseline design across behaviors, baselines are staggered to:
A. Increase treatment intensity.
B. Control for coincidental variables.
C. Reduce measurement error.
D. Ensure rapid behavior change.
*Rationale: Staggering demonstrates control without withdrawal.
8. Which data collection system is MOST appropriate for high-rate, discrete
responses?
A. Duration recording
, B. Interval recording
C. Event recording
D. Latency recording
*Rationale: Event recording captures frequency of discrete responses.
9. A motivating operation alters behavior by changing:
A. Skill acquisition.
B. The value of a consequence and current frequency of behavior.
C. The discriminative stimulus.
D. Response effort.
*Rationale: MOs affect reinforcer effectiveness and behavior momentarily.
10.Which assessment is BEST for identifying reinforcer preference?
A. Functional analysis
B. Curriculum-based assessment
C. Multiple-stimulus-without-replacement assessment
D. Scatterplot
*Rationale: MSWO efficiently ranks preferences.
11.An extinction burst is MOST likely to occur when:
A. Reinforcement is thinned.
B. Reinforcement is discontinued for a previously reinforced behavior.
C. Punishment is introduced.
EXAMINATION ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND
WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
Section 1: Questions 1–50
1. A behavior analyst is defining a target behavior for data collection. Which
definition is MOST appropriate?
A. The client is often aggressive during transitions.
B. The client shows frustration when demands are placed.
C. Any instance in which the client hits, kicks, or bites another person
with sufficient force to make contact.
D. The client becomes upset and acts out.
*Rationale: Operational definitions must be objective, observable, and
measurable.
2. A functional relation is BEST demonstrated by:
A. Anecdotal reports from caregivers.
B. Correlation between two variables.
C. Repeated demonstration that manipulation of the IV reliably changes
, the DV.
D. Statistical significance alone.
*Rationale: Functional relations require experimental control.
3. In an ABA reversal design, the primary purpose of returning to baseline is
to:
A. Increase participant motivation.
B. Demonstrate experimental control.
C. Reduce ethical risk.
D. Generalize behavior change.
*Rationale: Reversal strengthens evidence that the IV caused behavior
change.
4. Which schedule produces the highest steady rate of responding?
A. Fixed interval
B. Variable ratio
C. Fixed ratio
D. Variable interval
*Rationale: VR schedules generate high, steady response rates.
5. A BCBA is asked to accept a case outside their area of competence.
According to the Ethics Code, the BCBA should FIRST:
A. Decline the case outright.
, B. Seek appropriate training, supervision, or consultation.
C. Accept and learn on the job.
D. Refer without explanation.
*Rationale: Ethical practice requires competence or obtaining it.
6. Which is an example of negative reinforcement?
A. Giving praise after homework.
B. Removing toys after tantrums.
C. Turning off a loud alarm when a response occurs.
D. Presenting a token after correct responses.
*Rationale: Negative reinforcement involves removal of an aversive
stimulus.
7. In a multiple baseline design across behaviors, baselines are staggered to:
A. Increase treatment intensity.
B. Control for coincidental variables.
C. Reduce measurement error.
D. Ensure rapid behavior change.
*Rationale: Staggering demonstrates control without withdrawal.
8. Which data collection system is MOST appropriate for high-rate, discrete
responses?
A. Duration recording
, B. Interval recording
C. Event recording
D. Latency recording
*Rationale: Event recording captures frequency of discrete responses.
9. A motivating operation alters behavior by changing:
A. Skill acquisition.
B. The value of a consequence and current frequency of behavior.
C. The discriminative stimulus.
D. Response effort.
*Rationale: MOs affect reinforcer effectiveness and behavior momentarily.
10.Which assessment is BEST for identifying reinforcer preference?
A. Functional analysis
B. Curriculum-based assessment
C. Multiple-stimulus-without-replacement assessment
D. Scatterplot
*Rationale: MSWO efficiently ranks preferences.
11.An extinction burst is MOST likely to occur when:
A. Reinforcement is thinned.
B. Reinforcement is discontinued for a previously reinforced behavior.
C. Punishment is introduced.
