I.5: Identify and apply empirically validated and culturally responsive performance management procedures (e.g., modeling, practice, feedback, reinforcement, task clarification, manipulation of response effort).
Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.
Several RBTs leave fields blank on their end-of-session data sheets. When asked, they say they did not know which fields were required. Which performance-management procedure is MOST directly indicated?
- A. Removing the data sheets and relying on the RBTs' verbal reports.Incorrect. This gives up reliable data collection.
- B. A monetary penalty for incomplete forms.Incorrect. Punishment does not address the cause (unclear expectations) and can lower morale.
- C. Task clarification, such as a checklist of required fields, followed by feedback on how complete the forms are.Correct. When staff do not know what is expected, task clarification plus feedback is an empirically supported, well-matched intervention.
- D. A one-time motivational speech about the importance of data.Incorrect. A general talk does not specify the required behaviors.
A BCBA is teaching a new RBT to use a preference assessment. She has given written and verbal instructions and modeled the procedure. Under behavioral skills training (BST), what should she do NEXT?
- A. Model the procedure two more times before moving on.Incorrect. Extra modeling does not give the trainee practice or feedback.
- B. Have the RBT rehearse the procedure (for example, role-play) while the BCBA gives immediate feedback, repeating until a mastery criterion is met.Correct. BST goes instructions, modeling, rehearsal, then feedback, repeated until performance reaches mastery.
- C. Give the RBT a quiz on the steps.Incorrect. A quiz checks verbal knowledge, not performance of the skill.
- D. Have the RBT run the assessment with a client on her own the next day.Incorrect. This skips rehearsal and feedback, and competence has not yet been shown.
RBTs rarely enter session data into the electronic system on the same day. All of them can use the software fluently, but the only computer with the software is in an office across the building. Which intervention reflects manipulating response effort?
- A. Give the RBTs tablets so they can enter data at the session table.Correct. Making data entry possible at the point of service lowers the response effort required.
- B. Send daily reminder emails about the data-entry deadline.Incorrect. Reminders are antecedent prompts. They do not reduce the effort involved.
- C. Post a leaderboard of on-time data entry.Incorrect. A leaderboard is a feedback or consequence strategy, not an effort manipulation.
- D. Retrain all RBTs on how the software works.Incorrect. The RBTs are already fluent with the software, so training does not address the barrier.