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.
Let’s clarify the concept of automaticity of reinforcement and punishment, and its distinction from automatic reinforcement. With a relatable example, PTB founder Dana explains how an individual’s behavior can be influenced without consciously knowing the reasons behind their actions.
Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant Conditioning that Automatically Occurs Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key distinctions between response and stimulus prompts.
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).
Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Response Prompt vs. Stimulus Prompt Read More
Learn what the most utilized experimental design is for generalization effect. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares this design’s key features and benefits, allowing us to assess the effects of an independent variable across various settings, subjects, and behaviors.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).
The Most Utilized Experimental Design for Generalization Effects Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
Boosting Speed & Accuracy with Reinforcement Schedule Parameters Read More
Learn about an interesting phenomenon related to verbal cues motivating individuals without tangible reinforcement. PTB founder Dana Meller also shares an example of research conducted with little kids.
Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a huge secret to help break down experimental design questions.
BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs.
Dana Do’s: 1-Minute Experimental Design Test Hack (you still have to study it though) Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of ABC recording methods, focusing on each technique’s differences and accuracy concerns.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-7: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).
Test Your ABA Behavior Assessment Terminology ➠ ABC Recording Methods Read More
There’s a danger of studying only the score report. PTB founder Dana Meller offers insight on why it’s important to study like a test virgin.
Dana Do’s: Why BCBA® and BCaBA® Retaker Odds are Lower Read More
PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses a powerful concept that explores the influence of consequences on behavior in the presence of an MO.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.
Motivating Operations ➠ Exploring the Future Impact of Behavior Read More
PTB founder Dana Meller explores the procedure of shaping in ABA, discussing the two key features that define its effectiveness.
Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.
Shaping Success in ABA: Understanding the Procedure and its Dynamic Duo Read More