BxLog is PTB’s exam prep blog, edited and curated by veteran ABA professionals with a mission to provide candidates helpful tools and guidance along their BCBA® exam prep journey. Explore short videos and articles containing valuable information including explanations of Test Content Outline concepts and ABA terminology, study tips, mock exam questions with answer breakdowns, and lifestyle advice to maintain a healthy exam prep regimen.
Branching out, PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares the latest from her “tree” of knowledge to help discriminate between response and stimulus generalization (puns intended).
Dana Do’s: Get to the ‘Root’ of Response vs. Stimulus Generalization Read More
An industry veteran who watched the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) grow into what it is today, Dr. 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.
PTB Partner Spotlight: In Conversation with APBA’s CEO, Dr. Tyra Sellers Read More
What are the key differences between these these two procedures? PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the concepts with common and relatable examples we can identify with.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction; and B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies.
Dana Do’s: How to Discriminate Between Response Blocking and Extinction Read More
The ethics code asks behavior analysts to obtain informed consent before starting a treatment plan. But…what does that entail? PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down informed consent, assent, and the ethics elements you need to know.
Refer to Code Standard 2.11 Obtaining Informed Consent
Dana Do’s: Cracking the Ethics Code on Consent vs. Assent Read More
It’s a new year. What do you hope to accomplish? No matter what resolutions you’re working towards, use behavior analysis on yourself to help you reach those goals. Consider these PTB tips for New Year’s resolutions, the ABA way.
A Behavior-Analytic Approach to New Year’s Resolutions Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers detailed examples to help students better discriminate between two often confusing concepts: masking vs. overshadowing.
Dana Do’s: Discriminating Between Masking and Overshadowing Read More
As scientists, we know you love data. PTB crunched the numbers based on behaviors of the thousands of dedicated students who trusted us with their journey to certification. It’s been
PTB Year in Prep: A Data-Filled Look at 2023’s Study Stats Read More
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: Chain Chain Chain, Chain, Chain… Read More
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.
Dana Do’s: Confused About Automatic and Socially Mediated Reinforcement? Read More
You may have heard horror stories about the last BACB transition from the 4th to the 5th edition Task List. Not without good reason, too. The 5th edition brought changes to the supervision requirements, an increase to the number of test questions, and the introduction of the Ethics Code. Luckily, this time around won’t be such a shake up. Candidates caught on the cusp of this transition will be relieved to know that most of the updates are minor. Many find these transitions intimidating and overwhelming because they think they’ll have to learn an entire list of new information. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Think of it as more of a restructuring, rather than a total revamp.
Get the Scoop: What You Need to Know About the BACB’s Transition to the 6th Edition Read More