Free BCBA Practice Questions (2026)

Explanation

Radical behaviorism, as articulated by B.F. Skinner, acknowledges private events (thoughts, feelings, sensations) as real behavior governed by the same principles as publicly observable behavior. Unlike methodological behaviorism, it does not dismiss private events (A). It does not treat them as causal (C), which would be a mentalistic interpretation. While self-report is one way to access private events, radical behaviorism does not limit analysis to self-report alone (D).

Explanation

This is positive reinforcement because a stimulus (the cookie) was added following the behavior (reaching), and the behavior increased in future frequency. Negative reinforcement (A) involves the removal of an aversive stimulus. Positive punishment (B) involves adding a stimulus that decreases behavior. Stimulus generalization (D) refers to responding similarly across different stimuli, which is not what is being described here.

Explanation

Motivating operations (MOs) are environmental variables that have two effects: they alter the value of a consequence (value-altering effect) and they change the frequency of behavior that has been associated with that consequence (behavior-altering effect). Stimuli that signal reinforcement availability (A) are discriminative stimuli. Reinforcement history (C) describes learning history. Conditioned reinforcer establishment (D) describes stimulus-stimulus pairing procedures.

Explanation

Functional communication training (FCT) combined with extinction is the gold-standard, function-based intervention for behavior maintained by positive reinforcement. FCT teaches an appropriate alternative response (e.g., asking for the item) while placing the problem behavior on extinction. Planned ignoring alone (A) does not teach a replacement skill. Response cost (C) is a punishment procedure and is not function-based. DRO without a replacement behavior (D) does not teach the child what to do instead.

Explanation

The most likely explanation is that the backup reinforcers (items or activities exchangeable for tokens) have become less valuable due to satiation. When backup reinforcers lose their effectiveness, tokens that are exchangeable for them also lose their value. The solution is to assess current preferences and update the backup reinforcer menu. While the schedule may need adjustment (B), satiation of backup reinforcers is the most common cause. Token economies are effective across age groups (C). Learned helplessness (D) is not indicated by the described scenario.

Explanation

A paired stimulus (forced-choice) preference assessment, developed by Fisher et al. (1992), presents two items at a time and measures approach responses. Each item is paired with every other item across trials, producing a hierarchy of preferences. Free operant (A) involves observing the client interact freely with available items. Single stimulus (B) presents one item at a time. MSWO (D) presents an array of multiple items and removes the selected item on each trial.

Explanation

Partial interval recording records an interval as positive if the behavior occurred at any point during the interval, even if it only happened for one second of a 10-second interval. This method tends to overestimate the total duration or prevalence of behavior. It does not tell us the exact percentage of time (A). It overestimates, not underestimates (C). Interval recording can be appropriate for aggressive behavior (D), though the overestimation tendency should be noted when interpreting data.

Explanation

The total count IOA (smaller/larger method) is calculated by dividing the smaller count by the larger count and multiplying by 100. IOA = (12 / 15) x 100 = 80%. This indicates acceptable but not excellent agreement. The standard threshold for acceptable IOA is generally 80% or above, so this would be at the minimum level. The other options use incorrect calculations.

Explanation

A multiple baseline across behaviors design staggers the introduction of the intervention across different behaviors at different points in time. If each behavior changes only when the intervention is applied to it (and not before), this demonstrates experimental control. A reversal design (A) introduces and removes the intervention on the same behavior. A changing criterion design (B) gradually adjusts the criterion for reinforcement. An alternating treatments design (D) rapidly alternates between two or more conditions.

Explanation

The BACB Ethics Code requires behavior analysts to avoid multiple relationships that could reasonably be expected to impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness. A close personal friendship with a client family creates a dual relationship that could compromise clinical judgment, boundary maintenance, and objective data-based decision making. Documenting the relationship (B) does not eliminate the conflict. Agreeing to keep relationships separate (D) is not sufficient to avoid the ethical concerns. The existing relationship does not justify accepting the case (A).

Explanation

Even without the client name or photo, the post reveals protected health information (a speech milestone in therapy) and could potentially allow identification of the client through contextual details such as the therapy room setting, the supervisee connections, and the timing. The BACB Ethics Code and HIPAA both require protecting client confidentiality, which extends beyond just names and faces. The absence of identifying photos does not eliminate the violation (A). Professional pride does not override confidentiality (C). Client identification is not limited to direct name use (D).

Explanation

The BACB Ethics Code requires behavior analysts to discontinue services when treatment goals have been met and the data support that gains are maintained. Continuing services solely because the family wants them (A) or adding unnecessary goals (D) would constitute overservicing, which is an ethical violation. While reducing frequency (B) may be part of a transition plan, the primary action should be planning for discontinuation with a maintenance plan to support generalization and sustained outcomes.