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.
PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and its significance in behavior analysis. Discover the desired percentage of agreement for IOA and its role in increasing data credibility and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.
Questing for the Gold Standard of IOA Agreement Read More
Let’s review and break down a BCBA® mock exam question about measurement techniques in ABA, specifically percentage of opportunity. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to calculate the percentage of opportunities where the behavior is exhibited and why this method is superior to rate, count, and interval recording in certain situations.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-3: Measure occurrence (e.g., count, frequency, rate, percentage).
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.
Dana Do’s: Yes, verbs are clues that can help you prep for the BCBA exam Read More
Test your understanding of ethical considerations in experimental designs with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Let’s review a BCBA® mock exam question about reversal design and the nuances and concerns associated with this experimental setup.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).
Let’s Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Ethical Considerations in Experimental Design Read More
Sharpen your ABA principles skills as PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about motivating operations (MOs) and their influence on behavior. Learn the process of identifying the correct answer while gaining a deeper understanding of MOs and their behavior-altering effects.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.
PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the concept of high-probability request sequences. Dana explains how this antecedent intervention technique is a valuable tool for significantly improving compliance and decreasing non-compliance.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.
Revving Up for Compliance: Revealing the High-P Request Sequence Starting Lineup Read More
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
5 Test-Taking Tips to Help You Pass the BCBA® Exam Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills.
BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
Dana Do’s: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA® Read More
Let’s understand the concept and versatility of Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers (GCSRs) and their crucial role in behavior management.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-8: Define and provide examples of unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers and punishers and G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.
Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain.
BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
Dana Do’s: Response Blocking vs. Extinction Read More