HomeBxLogDana Do'sDana Do’s: Feeling Isolated on ABA Island Dana Do’s: Feeling Isolated on ABA Island October 19, 2023 Someone asked me the other day if students or exam candidates should join professional organizations. The answer is, of course, yes. There are student memberships for that reason. At PTB, we gift our students their first year membership to the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) when they pass the exam. That’s probably why I was asked if you should wait to be certified. So here’s my question to you: do you feel isolated in our field, like you’re on your own little ABA island? Does your ABA life include being in a car, all day, only seeing clients, and maybe, once in a while, you get to connect with peers and colleagues, if at all? By the end of the day, you’re exhausted and you don’t have much space for anything else, especially studying for a difficult exam? When I was starting my career, this is what made me doubt ABA as a career choice. It was that isolation. The fatigue. Forgetting my “why”. But then I went to a conference, and for the first time since entering the profession, I got to see what the community really looks like. The people were dynamic, smart, diverse. And although at different stages in their careers, we all connected around a common ideal, wanting to improve people’s lives. Although I was already sold on the idea of helping people, I was especially sold after learning about this large community of people, doing what I do, that was now available to me. Today, there’s so many ways to connect. Joining a professional organization, especially at the student level, can be invaluable. Earlier, I participated in a monthly event hosted by APBA where members get together to support each other. The sense of connectedness feeds my soul. It fuels me still, even after so many years in the field. My advice to candidates is, you need that too. Maybe even moreso. Maybe you’re putting off going to conferences or joining these organizations until you get certified. But if you need motivation, if you need a community, and you need to connect with like-minded people, this will help. It’s definitely hard to maintain motivation and enthusiasm when all you do is work and study for an exam, which seems impossible. For that reason, I highly recommend getting involved now, before certification. You’ll be surprised how much support you will contact for your job, for the exam, for your humanity, for your future. So yes, join. I’ll see you there. BEPWMiniBig Related Content Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear. Dana Do's: Fun Fact About Using DRA You know how the textbooks say that there are two parts to differential reinforcement, one being reinforcement for the desired behavior and the other extinction for the target behavior? Applying…Dana Do's: Socially Significant Information Social significance is such a buzzword ABA. PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down all the different areas in which social significance is important. Dana Do's: The Distinction Between Analysis Types and Experimental Designs What’s the difference between parametric, component, and comparative analyses? And what do experimental designs have to do with it? PTB founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a deep dive into analysis variations.Dana Do's: How to Prepare for the Transition to the BACB® 6th Edition Test Content Outline With the 6th Edition transition weeks away, many BCBA®/BCaBA® exam candidates are uncertain about how to best prepare. PTB founder Dana Meller is here with advice on how 5th Ed. students can plan to Beat the Odds and navigate the new 6th Ed. Test Content Outline (TCO).Big Exam Prep Workshop PTB’s Big Exam Prep Workshop is a live, interactive 6-week intensive (with up to 14 weeks of access to online materials, subject to registration). Integrating behavior analytic strategies, this hands-on masterclass breaks down the BACB® 6th Edition Test Content Outline, harnessing PTB’s signature formula for organizing and structuring BCBA® exam prep. Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Continuous and Discontinuous Measurement? It’s all too easy to mix up continuous and discontinuous measurement procedures. Need some help discriminating between the two? Get clarity with help from PTB founder Dana Meller.You Got This: 5 Tips to Build Up Your Test-Taking Confidence Exam day can shake even the most self-assured candidate but it’s important to feel secure in yourself and your skills. Looking to up your confidence before sitting for the Big…Dana Do's: Considerations for Exam Questions Related to the Use of Punishment Punishment is known to have a quick impact on behavior, but there are ethical implications which makes it very controversial. PTB founder Dana Meller offers some considerations when encountering exam questions related to punishment.Dana Do's: Tips for Test Questions About Functional Analysis Tripped up trying to make correct discriminations when it comes to functional analysis? PTB founder Dana Meller has some tips to help you answer those tricky exam questions. Dana Do's: Six Direct Assessment Methods Looking to review direct assessment methods? PTB founder Dana Meller gets right to it with this quick explainer.Dana Do's: Exploring the Forms and Functions of Noncontingent Reinforcements (NCR) Let’s talk contingency independent antecedent intervention… Or, in simpler terms, NCR. Get the scoop on this non-invasive procedure with a quick explainer from PTB founder Dana Meller.Dana Do's: What to Do the Night Before the Big Exam It’s the night before your exam. What should you be doing? Well, first off, nobody knows you better than you know yourself. But since you asked, because someone did ask,…Dana Do's: Exploring the Four Types of Reinforcer Assessments PTB founder Dana Meller discusses reinforcer assessments, which should not be confused with stimulus preference assessments.Five Ways to Help Offset the Cost of Certification There’s no way around it, becoming a certified BCBA® is an investment. Not only is the exam itself costly but expenses on the path to certification can quickly add up,…The 5 Elements of an Effective Study Plan If you’re on the path to the BCBA®/BCaBA® exam and looking to get a plan in place, look no further. PTB has five tips to help you devise an effective…7 Tips for Maximizing Test Prep #1: Focus on Form Be sure to get the right resources and materials. Having up-to-date books and academic literature will ensure you’re studying the right stuff. Ready for mock exams…Dana Do's: Nine Considerations for Prioritizing Target Behaviors PTB founder breaks down each of the nine considerations for prioritizing target behaviors.Dana Do's: Extinguished Behaviors Resurge When reinforcement for the alternative replacement behavior is discontinued, extinction for the alternative behavior can resurge. The BACB® 6th Edition: Assessing All the Upcoming Changes It’s been more than two years since the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BACB®, announced their 6th Edition updates. Now, as January 2025 inches closer, students, universities, and Applied Behavior Analysis…Rest Assured: Four Tips for Better Sleep Before the Big Exam Sleep… You need it. You love it. If you’re studying for the BCBA® exam, you probably feel like you need more of it. Staying well-rested on your journey is essential,…Dana Do's: 7 Steps of Evidence-Based Supervision PTB founder Dana Meller clarifies the specific steps for evidence-based supervision, not to be confused with behavior skills training. Dana Do's: What is the Difference Between Trial-Based and Free-Operant Teaching Arrangements? Not too sure about discriminating between the different teaching arrangements? Not to worry. PTB founder Dana Meller is here to explain trial-based vs free operant procedures.6 Science-Backed Tips for Improving Your Memory The first part of those all-important MAC skills: memorization. Being able to recall information, facts, concepts, and terms is essential (that probably goes without saying). If you find your memory…Dana Do's: All the Validities in ABA, Explained PTB founder Dana Meller helps connect each of the validities to the validity of this explanation.Dana Do's: Will Reinforcer Assessments be on the BCBA® Exam? The Task List and the TCO (Test Content Outline) both include preference assessments. But, they don't mention reinforcer assessments. Does that mean that reinforcer assessments will not be on the exam? ABA in Your Day-to-Day: Products That Use the Power of Behavior Principles The principles behind Behavior Analysis (ABA) are everywhere– if you know what to look for. It probably wouldn’t surprise a BCBA (or future BCBA) to know that ABA inspires everyday…Dana Do's: The ABCs of Breaking Down BCBA® Exam Test Questions If you need help breaking down test questions, there's a simple tool you can use to eliminate the risk of making assumptions on the BCBA® exam. Dana Do's: Has Your Coursework Left You Unprepared for the BCBA® Exam? If your coursework left you unprepared for the BCBA exam, PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers some ideas of how to avoid the hamster wheel of multiple exam retakes.Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Response vs. Stimulus Prompts? If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?Beat the Odds: 5 Tips You Need If You’re Retaking the Exam Retaking the exam? You’re in good company. In fact, PTB conducted a study of BCBA® exam candidates in 2023 that showed more than ⅓ of test-takers are in fact retakers.…Dana Do's: What Should I Do If I Don't Pass the BCBA® Exam? If you're retaking the exam and you don't know how to proceed with studying again, PTB co-founder Dana Meller has some suggestions that you might want to consider. Dana Do's: Why BCBA® Exam Retakers Should Ignore the Score Report PTB's retaker philosophy has not changed since we first began BCBA® test prep, 12 years ago. In fact, the philosophy has only been reinforced over the years as retaker pass rates continue to drop. If you're retaking the exam, you need to hear this advise from PTB co-founder Dana Meller.3.14 Tips to Make Exam Prep as Easy as Pi #1: Set Specific (And Smaller) Goals Setting goals when developing a study strategy is important, but even more important is setting goals that are rational, realistic, and manageable. Setting too…Dana Do's: How to Discriminate What 'Is' or 'Is Not' Behavior in BCBA® Exam Questions There is a struggle with identifying what is or is not a behavior when it comes to BCBA® exam questions. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers some simple yet critical ways to make those discriminations.Dana Do's: Do Alternative Behaviors Need to be Functionally Equivalent? Do alternative behaviors always have to be functionally equivalent to the target behavior that we're trying to reduce or eliminate? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks in down.Dana Do's: And Just Like That, Context and Application for Task List Items How does going to ABA conferences help you pass the BCBA® exam? PTB co-founder Dana Meller recalls her student journey and the "a-ha moment" when she realized, attending forced her to generalize what she was studying, in context. Suddenly, ABA terminology was no longer a foreign language she was trying to master.Dana Do's: How to Determine Value vs. Behavior Altering Effect A motivating operation is not a thing that you hold in your hand. It is the state or condition of being deprived of something or satiated with something. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the in-the-moment effects to help explain the difference.PTB Partner Spotlight: In Conversation with APBA’s CEO, Dr. Tyra Sellers An industry veteran who watched the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) grow into what it is today, Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D joined the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) in January 2023 as CEO. Her first ABA certification came before the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) even existed. Some years later, as fate would have it, Sellers found herself at the BACB, serving as the director of the ethics department. Now, she is bringing her knowledge and experience to the distinguished organization with a strategy that is focused on access, education and community.Dana Do's: Cracking the Ethics Code on Consent vs. Assent The ethics code asks behavior analysts to obtain informed consent before starting a treatment plan. But…what does that entail? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down informed consent, assent, and the ethics elements you need to know. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Code Section E- 2.11 Obtaining Informed ConsentDana Do's: Discriminating Between Masking and Overshadowing PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers detailed examples to help students better discriminate between two often confusing concepts: masking vs. overshadowing.Dana Do's: Chain Chain Chain, Chain, Chain... Which chaining method goes with which behavior? Dana Meller offers some considerations that may help you answer that question on the exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section Section G-8: Use chaining. Dana Do's: Confused About Automatic and Socially Mediated Reinforcement? It’s not wrong to associate sterotypic behaviors with automatic reinforcement— but there are other factors to consider. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a quick explainer to clear up the confusion. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-7: Define and provide examples of automatic and socially mediated contingencies.Dana Do's: If All Prompts Prompt Behavior, What's the Difference? If all prompts prompt behavior, how can you tell the different between stimulus and response prompts? PTB co-founder Dana Meller simplifies it with one word. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).Dana Do's: Fun Fact. The Process of Self-Management Requires Two Behaviors Self-management: one process, two behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains controlled vs controlling response, and shares real-life examples of how they are used together in self-management strategies. The Path(s) to Becoming a BCBA® Currently, there are four paths to meet the eligibility requirements, though it’s important to note that the BACB® will be revising the pathways in 2027.What Is a BCBA® Certification and Why Get One? The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam (or, BCBA® exam) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB).Beat the Odds: Factors that Impact Performance on the BCBA® Exam Though the exam may be difficult, it’s not impossible to achieve a passing score. There are several ways students can improve their chances and beat the odds. The right preparation is essential.How Hard is it to Pass the BCBA® Exam? The question every future BCBA® inevitably asks: how hard is it to pass the BCBA® exam? If you’ve heard the stories or seen the data, then you know the exam has a reputation for being difficult. Ask around and you’ll likely hear that it’s sort of like running a marathon. But barefoot, on broken glass, in a giant corn maze, guarded by storm troopers and you can’t remember where you left your lightsaber…oh, and your headphones just died. Dana Do's: What Do Philosophical Assumptions Got To Do With It? It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that's actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam.10 Positive Effects From Prioritizing Self-Care Self-care. It’s a bit of a broad term, and a total buzzword these days. It’s often used in the context of bubble baths and “unplugging.” But, at its core, self-care is about more than just “me-time.” It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle. 5 Ways to Make the Big Exam Feel Less Scary #1: Arm Yourself (With Knowledge) As they say, knowledge is power, and the best defense on exam day is knowing your stuff. It’s ok to reschedule if you’re not ready.…Dana Do's: Feeling Isolated on ABA Island The life of a behavior professional can be rewarding, but it can also be a little lonely. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares her experience with overcoming isolation with some recommendations for students and current BCBAs.Desk Yoga: 7 Stretches for Your Next Study Session Long days and even longer study sessions, can leave your back and neck feeling stiff. Luckily, PTB has just the thing: 7 desk-friendly, do-anywhere yoga moves. While it can’t replace your regular yoga routine, these stretches can help you reset your mind and body when you’re glued to your desk (or couch, or kitchen chair). 5 Science-Backed Tips to Make Your Study Space More Soothing #1 – Declutter to De-stress Fortunately, this first tip costs nothing. Unfortunately, it may require a bit of elbow grease. Organizing your study or work station can help you better…Keep Calm and Study On: 6 Strategies for Managing Test Prep Stress It goes without saying that studying for the BCBA® exam is stressful. The experience can fray the nerves of even the most level-headed student. If you’re feeling the test prep…From PTB’s Test (Prep) Kitchens: A Brain-Boosting Berry Smoothie It’s important to fuel your brain and body with nutritious food that will give you the energy to power through long days and even longer study sessions. But, between school,…Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When? The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.Behind the Scenes of the Big Exam Prep Workshop Known for her trademark humor and clinical knowledge, PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes students behind the scenes of creating the PTB Streaming Lecture Series, a collection of 9 pre-recorded lectures covering each of the BCBA® 5th edition task list sections.Dana Do's: What are the Markers of a Good Supervisor? PTB co-founder Dana Meller identifies the markers of being a good supervisor. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section I-8: Evaluate the effects of supervision (e.g., on client outcomes, on supervisee repertoires). Dana Do's: Yes, verbs are clues that can help you prep for the BCBA exam PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how the verbs used in the Task List can provide you with significant clues for effective studying. By examining task list verbs, you can actually determine the specific type of discrimination required in your studies. Learn how understanding these verbs can guide your preparation and better equip you for success on the big exam.5 Test-Taking Tips to Help You Pass the BCBA® Exam Prep the Night Before Pack up everything you’ll need for exam day the night before so you won’t need to worry about it the day of. Are you wearing comfortable…6 Science-Backed Study Tips for Your Next Study Session Switch Up Your Environment Studying in a new environment has been shown to help improve memory and concentration levels. Try studying at a coffee shop, library, or a new spot…Add to Cart: PTB’s Study Essentials When it comes to test-prep, you need the right tools for the job. PTB has compiled a must-have list of study supplies so you can stock up on your next…Dana Do's: How to Decode the Code PTB co-founder Dana Meller suggests that memorizing the sections of the BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts will in fact help you make correct discriminations when prepping for the BCBA® exam. Dana Do's: Why BCBA® Retaker Odds are Lower There's a danger of studying only the score report. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers insight on why it's important to study like a test virgin.Dana Do's: That Feeling of Freaking Out Over the BCBA® Exam Everyone feels like they won't pass the BCBA® exam, not just you. PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about the experiences her students share as they prep for the exam. And surprise surprise, you are not alone in feeling scared, dealing with the pressures of everyday life, and trying to negotiate so many variables. If that's you and you're struggling, the good news is that it's temporary. And the payoff, that is fantastic.Dana Do's: Imagine the Task List is a Jigsaw Puzzle PTB cofounder, Dana Meller treats the task list like a puzzle, and so should you. Like a puzzle, all the task list items are interconnected. To be exam ready, you need all the pieces, and every piece needs to be in place. Dana Do's: Looking at the World Behavior Analytically Why should you look at the world behavior analytically? Because it will help you build ABA fluency.Dana Do's: How to Optimize Memorization PTB Co-founder Dana Meller reinforces the importance of memorization and offers some practical, empirically validated tips for memorizing the task list.Dana Do's: Get Your M.A.C. Skills Together PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a key to building fluency and BCBA® exam readiness. Memorization. Application. Comprehension. Dana Do's: Dealing with the Frustration of Failing the BCBA® Exam PTB cofounder Dana Meller offers some unsolicited advice for candidates who have experienced the frustration of failing the BCBA® exam by only a few points. Dana Do's: Why You're Not Passing the BCBA® Exam PTB cofounder Dana Meller helps candidates retaking the exam consider a functional approach to defining the obstacles holding them back. Dana Do's: Short Cuts Don't Work PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about avoiding shortcuts in your exam prep. Becoming a BCBA® is not just about passing the Big Exam, it is about taking on a professional identity. Dana Do's: The Importance of Speaking ABA PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares the importance of speaking ABA and being able to fluently read and understand the Cooper text in order to pass the big exam.Dana Do's: Understanding the ABC's of Behavior Used to Break Down Test Questions PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how our ABA superpowers can be used to break down exam questions to organize BCBA® exam prep.Dana Do's: Put On Your BACB® Board Hat Want to know what to study for the BCBA® exam? PTB co-founder Dana Meller reminds candidates that the exam is a knowledge assessment, not a skill assessment.Dana Do's: BCBA® Exam Prep Studying Tips PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives. Dana Do's: Use Mistakes to Assess How You Test PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares insights on how to use your mock BCBA® exam mistakes to assess and improve your test-taking behavior. 5th Edition Study Manual (Current Version 2.2) FINAL QUANTITY FINAL 5th Edition Run. Limited Quantity. FINAL SALE - NO RETURNS, REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES AFTER 9/24/24 Universally recognized as the “other white book”, the comprehensive PTB ABA Exam Study Manual organizes and breaks down the complete 5th Edition Task List, distilling the Cooper text (Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron and William Heward) to include all critical exam concepts. The Manual is structured for quick navigation, contextualized with situational and relatable examples, salient visuals, and detailed explanations. In its 11th year of publication, the Manual is widely regarded as an ideal study companion and ABA bible, proving valuable as a quick reference tool beyond the exam. Save! Manual is $99 when purchased with the PTB 5th Edition Big Exam Prep Workshop. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 - 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 - 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout.Dana’s Do’s: The Best Methods for Last-Minute Exam Prep PTB founder Dana Meller has advice and tips for the best last-minute study methods.Dana Do's: How to Ease Exam Nerves PTB founder Dana Meller offers some helpful advice to quell exam day jitters.Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams Effectively in Your BCBA® Exam Prep Taking mock exams is a fantastic activity for exam prep. However, there are ways that these test are being used that may do more harm than good. PTB co-founder Dana Meller highlights three things to watch out for to ensure you are not misusing mock exams in your BCBA® exam prep.Are You a Bad Test-Taker: Strategies for Overcoming Exam Anxiety It’s common for students to experience anxiety when taking tests, which can negatively impact performance. Beyond the physical effects– like problems sleeping, procrastinating, and an increased heart rate– anxiety can also disrupt concentration and decision making, and make it more difficult to think clearly.Dana Do's: How to Effectively Use Your Whiteboard on the BCBA® Exam What’s the best thing to put on your whiteboard? PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains that a highly personalized approach is the best strategy. Get her tips to figure out how to use your whiteboard effectively on exam day.Dana Do's: A Common Misconception About the Role of Memorization Memorization is a crucial skill, but it may not be enough to get you a passing score. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares her insight into how rote memorization can create a false sense of confidence while offering tips to improve knowledge generalization.Dana Do's: Careful About Getting Creative With Mock Exams PTB co-founder cautions candidates about using the actual BCBA® exam as a mock exam, listing all the reasons why you might want to reconsider getting creative with your mock exam prep experience.Stuffed Schedule? 6 Tips for Better Time Management #1: Set Deadlines Believe it or not, setting deadlines can help you get more done. Parkinson’s Law is the idea that “work expands to fill the time available for its…Dana Do's: Warning. Be Careful of Extremes. PTB co-founder Dana Meller sends an important warning for test takers. Watch out for extremes in exam questions and answer options.5 Foods to Boost Brainpower While Studying #1 Green tea You’d be hard pressed to find an ABA student who isn’t reaching for caffeine in one form or another. Try sipping on green tea the next time…MiniBig PTB MiniBig: Fast, Flexible, and Focused Exam Prep The PTB MiniBig enables BCBA® exam prep candidates to tailor their study needs by popping in on single sessions of the intensive PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. Each 3.5-hour session, focused on specific sections of the Task List, includes a mock exam followed by real-time, live, interactive feedback and access to live session replays, without committing to the full workshop.Dana Do's: How to Know When You're Ready to Sit for the BCBA® Exam PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about measuring exam readiness. How do you know if you’re ready to sit?Dana Do's: How to Make Time for Studying for the BCBA® Exam PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives.Dana Do's: The Problem With Making Assumptions on the BCBA® Exam PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares practical insight on the importance of approaching exam questions at face value.Big Mock Exam The original Big Mock Exam has been upgraded with video segments to offer a highly individualized, in-depth review, while simulating an authentic test experience. Designed with a commitment to academic quality, the mock exam integrates clinical and scientific language, and reflects the format and distribution of questions on the actual BCBA® exam. The score report now features 175 video reviews that correspond to each test question, providing comprehensive explanations, detailed breakdowns, visuals and rationales allowing students to shape the content to their particular needs. Access begins immediately and expires 6 months from the time of purchase. To avoid a false sense of improvement, PTB has limited the exam two attempts within 6 months.
