BCBA Exam V2 | Board Certified Behavior
Analyst (BCBA) Examination | Q&A with
Rationale (BCBA Exam) | Behavior Analyst
Certification Board (BACB)
1. A BCBA is explaining to a parent that behavior is lawful and occurs as a result of
environmental events. Which philosophical assumption is the BCBA demonstrating?
A. Pragmatism
B. Empiricism
C. Parsimony
D. Determinism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Determinism is the assumption that the universe is a lawful and orderly place.
This means that all phenomena occur as the result of other events and are not random. In
behavior analysis, this principle guides the search for functional relations between
behavior and the environment.
2. An observer records whether a client engages in a stereotypic behavior at the exact
moment a 15-second interval ends. Which measurement procedure is being used?
A. Partial-interval recording
B. Whole-interval recording
,C. Duration recording
D. Momentary time sampling
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Momentary time sampling involves observing the behavior only at the end of a
specific interval. If the behavior is occurring at that precise moment, it is recorded as a
response. This method is useful for behaviors that persist over time and does not require
the observer’s constant attention throughout the interval.
3. Which dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to the commitment to
producing behavior changes that last over time and appear in new environments?
A. Applied
B. Behavioral
C. Technological
D. Generality
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Generality is achieved when a behavior change persists across time and spreads
to other environments or related behaviors. It is one of the seven dimensions of ABA as
defined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley. Without generality, the practical value of an intervention
is significantly limited.
, 4. When a child learns to say ‘dog’ in the presence of a Golden Retriever and later says ‘dog’
when seeing a Poodle, what has occurred?
A. Stimulus generalization
B. Response generalization
C. Response induction
D. Stimulus discrimination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stimulus generalization occurs when a response that has been reinforced in the
presence of one stimulus is emitted in the presence of new, similar stimuli. In this case, the
child is generalizing the label ‘dog’ across different breeds of dogs. This is a critical
component of learning and functional language development.
5. A behavior analyst removes a child’s favorite toy for 30 seconds following an instance of
hitting. This is an example of:
A. Negative punishment
B. Negative reinforcement
C. Positive punishment
D. Extinction
Correct Answer: A
Analyst (BCBA) Examination | Q&A with
Rationale (BCBA Exam) | Behavior Analyst
Certification Board (BACB)
1. A BCBA is explaining to a parent that behavior is lawful and occurs as a result of
environmental events. Which philosophical assumption is the BCBA demonstrating?
A. Pragmatism
B. Empiricism
C. Parsimony
D. Determinism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Determinism is the assumption that the universe is a lawful and orderly place.
This means that all phenomena occur as the result of other events and are not random. In
behavior analysis, this principle guides the search for functional relations between
behavior and the environment.
2. An observer records whether a client engages in a stereotypic behavior at the exact
moment a 15-second interval ends. Which measurement procedure is being used?
A. Partial-interval recording
B. Whole-interval recording
,C. Duration recording
D. Momentary time sampling
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Momentary time sampling involves observing the behavior only at the end of a
specific interval. If the behavior is occurring at that precise moment, it is recorded as a
response. This method is useful for behaviors that persist over time and does not require
the observer’s constant attention throughout the interval.
3. Which dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to the commitment to
producing behavior changes that last over time and appear in new environments?
A. Applied
B. Behavioral
C. Technological
D. Generality
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Generality is achieved when a behavior change persists across time and spreads
to other environments or related behaviors. It is one of the seven dimensions of ABA as
defined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley. Without generality, the practical value of an intervention
is significantly limited.
, 4. When a child learns to say ‘dog’ in the presence of a Golden Retriever and later says ‘dog’
when seeing a Poodle, what has occurred?
A. Stimulus generalization
B. Response generalization
C. Response induction
D. Stimulus discrimination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stimulus generalization occurs when a response that has been reinforced in the
presence of one stimulus is emitted in the presence of new, similar stimuli. In this case, the
child is generalizing the label ‘dog’ across different breeds of dogs. This is a critical
component of learning and functional language development.
5. A behavior analyst removes a child’s favorite toy for 30 seconds following an instance of
hitting. This is an example of:
A. Negative punishment
B. Negative reinforcement
C. Positive punishment
D. Extinction
Correct Answer: A
