HomeBxLogLet’s Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Level Up Your Chaining Game for Maximum Efficiency & Natural SR+ Let’s Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Level Up Your Chaining Game for Maximum Efficiency & Natural SR+ February 18, 2023 Question: In which chaining method are artificial reinforcers less likely to be needed? A) Total task chaining, B) Backward chaining, C) Forward chaining or D) Backward task chaining.Answer: B) Backward chaining.In the backward chain, tasks are taught backwards. The trainer does the initial steps, and the student is trained on the last step, and then the second-to-last step, and so on, moving backwards. What’s great about this chaining method is the client contacts the natural reinforcement each time. This is a method to use if the behavior results in something great, like eating a snack or going outside to play.On the other hand, the forward chain could require some artificial reinforcers. First of all, this chain is a method in which the behavior is taught in its actual order. You actually teach one step at a time and then move on to the next steps after each previous step is learned. All the learned steps are then combined in teaching the next step. That means that the current targets require all the previously learned steps to be performed in order. This can take a long time. Therefore, artificial reinforcement is needed, or could be needed, for each step or a combination of the initial steps. Also, the natural contingency doesn’t come into play until the person can complete the whole chain.Now, total task chaining is a variation of the forward chain. But in this method, the entire chain is trained each time. Here, we combine the known steps and the steps that still need training. The latter are prompted with physical guidance. This can be a long chain, so we often do need to incorporate our artificial reinforcement during the chaining process– things like praise or snacks, treats, and points. Also, if the behavior itself is task-oriented, it may not produce an awesome natural contingency at its completion.By the way, option D is not a thing. 6th Edition TCOG. Behavior-Change Procedures G.12 Select and implement chaining procedures. ChainingMiniBig G & HMock Exam Related Content Dana Do’s: A Simple Explanation on the Different Types of Simple Discriminations PTB founder Dana Meller makes it simple with an explainer on the types of simple discriminations and important differences to keep in mind.Dana Do's: Clarifying Confusion Between Derived Stimulus Relation and Stimulus Equivalence PTB founder Dana Meller clarifies confusion to explain derived stimulus relation vs. stimulus equivalence.Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining in ABA 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…Variable time (VT) A time-based schedule of noncontingent reinforcement delivery. It sets an average amount of time between the delivery of noncontingent reinforcers.Within stimulus prompt A stimulus prompt that helps a learner make a correct discrimination by manipulating a specific physical characteristic of the target stimulus.Withdrawal of a specific positive reinforcer A non-exclusionary time-out procedure where, contingent on challenging behavior, a preferred item is taken away for a certain period of time.Token economy A positive reinforcement procedure in which clients are given tokens (GCSRs) for specific desired behaviors, and the tokens can be exchanged for specific preferred items/activities (backup reinforcers).Time delay prompting A prompting procedure in which the transfer of stimulus control from the prompt to the SD is implemented by delaying the presentation of the prompt following the presentation of the…Total-task chaining A variation of the forward chaining method in which every step of a task analysis is taught in each session. The individual is assisted on any steps that they are…Train loosely A method to program for generalization during instruction that involves broadening the variety of the non-critical aspects of the SD, like the environmental variables (people, locations) that have nothing to…Time-out from positive reinforcement A punishment procedure where access to specific reinforcers is prohibited for a period of time following an occurrence of challenging behavior.Time out ribbon A non-exclusionary time-out procedure in which reinforcement is paired with a ribbon on a child’s wrist to signal the availability of reinforcement. The removal of the ribbon, contingent on challenging…Transitivity Defined as the trained relation of symbolically similar items across two sets of stimuli (i.e., If A=B, and B=C), and without further instruction, the emergence of an untrained connection (i.e.,…Stimulus prompt A type of prompt that increases the salience of the SD and calls an individual’s attention to the stimulus that directs behavior, which is gradually faded out until the correct…Stimulus fading A method of fading stimulus prompts by systematically and gradually lessening or removing them until control of an individual’s behavior transfers to the SD.Stimulus shape transformations A method of fading stimulus prompts by starting with a stimulus that controls the desired response and systematically and gradually changing the shape of that stimulus into the SD that…Successive approximations The gradual and progressive changes in criteria during a shaping procedure in ABA, with each change being closer in form to the desired terminal response.Task analysis A breakdown of a complex behavior into small, teachable units that establish a behavior chain (series of steps and tasks presented in a specific order) that must occur in a…Symmetry Defined as the trained relation of symbolically similar items and the demonstration of the relation in reverse without additional direct training. (i.e., If A=B, then B=A)Stimulus equivalence Defined as the untrained acquisition of a reflexive, symmetric, and transitive relation between stimuli that are in some way related.Symbolic matching-to-sample A matching-to-sample procedure where clients are taught to match sample and comparison stimuli that are symbolically related, and not physically identical.Simple discriminations Correct responding that requires discriminating one antecedent stimulus condition (SD) in which the response will produce reinforcement.Shaping In ABA, shaping is a strategy for teaching novel behaviors using successive approximations to a terminal response, which are differentially reinforced until the client is able to differentiate the terminal…Shaping across response topographies In ABA, a shaping method in which each successive approximation varies in form from the other approximations and the ultimate terminal response.Shaping within response topographies In ABA, a shaping method in which the response form of each successive approximation remains the same, but some other measurable dimension is being trained.Self-management Behavior analytic procedures that target one’s own behavior by defining the desired target response (controlled response), programming behaviors to help evoke that desired target response (controlling response), and arranging reinforcers…Self-monitoring In self-management procedures, this is the process of systematically recording data on one’s own behavior.Self-evaluation In self-management procedures, this is the process of assessing one’s own progress by comparing self-monitoring data to a pre-determined criterion.Self-administered consequences A self-management procedure in which one organizes specific consequences to be delivered following the occurrence or nonoccurrence of one’s own behavior to be delivered by others or by oneself.Self-instruction A self-management procedure that involves providing oneself with verbal instructions (covert or overt) to prompt one’s own desired behaviors.Self-directed systematic desensitization A self-management procedure used to reduce anxieties and phobias that involves substituting muscle relaxation for challenging behaviors. Anxiety or fear-provoking events are ranked on an intensity scale and gradually exposed…Seclusion time-out A type of time-out procedure in which the client is placed in a time-out room for a time period and locked in.Response-deprivation hypothesis (RDH) The belief that any behavior can act as a reinforcer if access to that behavior is restricted. In practice, this occurs when deprivation of a certain activity, achieved by making it…Response-deprivation hypothesis (RDH) The belief that a low-probability behavior can act as a reinforcer to evoke a higher-probability behavior if access to the less-preferred behavior is restricted below baseline levels.Response prompts A temporary antecedent stimulus in the form of verbal instruction, a model, or physical support that is delivered close in time with the relevant SD to help the client engage…Response differentiation The emergence of the target novel behavior produced by differential reinforcement, during a shaping procedure in ABA, in which the reinforced members of the desired response class occur more often…Self-management (in programming for generalization) A method to program for generalization that involves teaching the client self-management behaviors that will enable them to prompt and reinforce their own target behavior.Response interruption and redirection (RIRD) A positive punishment procedure that involves presenting demands, prompts, or distractions to interrupt and redirect repetitive, stereotypic, and self-injurious behaviors.Restitutional overcorrection A positive punishment overcorrection procedure where, following the occurrence of a challenging behavior, the client is required to repair the damage caused by their behavior,and engage in additional behavior to…Redundancy prompt A stimulus prompt that helps a learner make a correct discrimination by pairing the correct choice with one or more stimulus or response dimensions (e.g., color, size, shape).Response block Physically intervening to interrupt and prevent a response from occurring. Hint: When the behavior is prevented from occurring by the addition of the thing that “blocks” it, it cannot occur…Response cost A loss of a specific amount of reinforcement that is contingent on a challenging behavior.Reprimand A positive punishment procedure that involves providing vocal negative or corrective feedback following the occurrence of an undesirable behavior.Reflexivity Refers to the trained response of matching a stimulus to an identical stimulus and then matching the two stimuli in reverse without additional training. (i.e., If A=A, then A=A)Relational frame theory (RFT) A behavior analytic approach to language which aims to connect and understand the relationship between language and derived stimulus relations. The theory hypothesizes that learned behavior is acquired through a…Premack Principle A strategy that uses behavior as reinforcement by making the opportunity to engage in preferred behavior contingent on engaging in a low-preference behavior.Random rotation A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which random mastered targets are presented in a randomized order.Program common stimuli A method to program for generalization during instruction that ensures the SDs used in the instructional setting are similar or the same as those used in the generalization setting/natural environment.Ratio strain When challenging behaviors reemerge because of an abruptly thinned reinforcement schedule.Pivotal response training A free-operant teaching methodology that capitalizes on naturally occurring MOs and environmental variables with a specific focus on building skills that produce collateral improvements in other skill areas.Planned ignoring A non-exclusionary time-out procedure where social reinforcers (e.g., attention, engagement in activities) are removed for a period of time contingent on challenging behavior.Positive practice overcorrection A positive punishment overcorrection procedure where, following the occurrence of a challenging behavior, the client is required to repeatedly perform the correct form of the behavior for a certain period…Overcorrection A positive punishment procedure where, contingent on an occurrence of the target behavior, the client is required to engage in an effortful behavior that is directly related to the target…Oddity matching-to-sample A matching-to-sample procedure where clients are taught to match sample and comparison stimuli that are not similar to the sample stimulus (i.e., opposites).Naturally existing contingency A natural consequence (reinforcement or punishment) that follows a behavior without any environmental manipulation by a practitioner.Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) A contingency independent antecedent intervention during which reinforcers that maintain challenging behavior are delivered on a fixed or variable schedule, thereby abolishing (AO) the motivation for the client to engage…Naturalistic teaching A teaching methodology that involves embedding learning opportunities into ongoing, every day activities by capitalizing on the EOs in natural contexts and choice-making, focusing on client interest and initiations.Multiple exemplar training A method to program for generalization during instruction that involves teaching a variety of response and stimulus options to facilitate the acquisition of untrained responses in the presence of novel…Negative teaching examples A method to program for generalization during instruction that involves teaching the client to generalize and discriminate the settings, times, and conditions in which it is not appropriate to display…Non-exclusionary time out A type of time-out procedure in which the client is kept in the time-in space but is not allowed to participate in time-in activities.Massed practice A self-management procedure that aims to decrease challenging behavior by having an individual engage in the repeated performance of the challenging behavior. Most-to-least prompting A method of prompt fading determined by an individual’s progress that proceeds from the most intrusive/supportive to the least intrusive/supportive as the individual is successful, with the final goal of…Modeling A strategy for teaching new skills by using a live or symbolic model to demonstrate an exact behavior needed to perform a skill and teaching the client to imitate the…Mass trial A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which the same learning trial (SD) for an acquisition skill is presented several times in a row.Mediation A method to program for generalization during instruction that involves teaching the individuals present in a client’s life (parents, employers) to help maintain and generalize new skills outside of treatment…Response maintenance The extent to which behavior remains in a client’s repertoire over time.Matching-to-sample A conditional discrimination procedure in which a stimulus is presented and taught to match a secondary stimulus. Reinforcement is delivered for correctly matching the two antecedent stimuli. Matches can include…Least-to-most prompting A method of prompt fading for individuals who exhibit the skills necessary to complete the task but are not engaging in the correct response. This method typically starts with the least…Instructions and rules A specific methodology for teaching that includes best practice for setting specific rules, and methods for providing instructions for expected behavior.Inter-trial interval In discrete-trial teaching, this is the period (approximately 5 seconds) that comes between the consequence and the next SD, indicating the end of one trial and the forthcoming trial.Interdependent group contingencies A procedure in which a pre-determined criterion for responding is established for all of the members within a group. For everyone to contact reinforcement, each individual in the group must…Habit reversal A self-management procedure that involves identifying events that precede one’s own challenging behavior and engaging in alternative behaviors when those precursor events occur.High-probability instructional sequence An antecedent intervention used for increasing compliance and reducing escape-maintained behaviors. It involves presenting two-to-five high-probability compliance tasks, reinforcing compliance for those tasks, and then presenting a demand less likely…Graduated guidance A type of response prompt that offers the minimal amount of physical prompting needed to occasion a correct response by having a trainer in a position to prompt immediately (if…Incidental teaching A free-operant teaching methodology that takes place in a free-time setting, during which the child’s natural initiations are treated as learning opportunities to expand on the child’s current skill set.Group contingencies Procedures in which a pre-determined criterion for responding is established for one, some, or all of the members within a group in order for some or all of the group…Independent group contingencies A procedure in which a pre-determined criterion for responding is established for all members of a group, and for an individual to contact reinforcement, that individual must meet the specific…Indiscriminable contingencies A method to program for generalization during instruction that includes the use of intermittent and delayed reinforcement contingencies that parallel natural contingencies.Identity matching-to-sample A matching-to-sample procedure where clients are taught to match sample and comparison stimuli that are physically identical.Functional communication training (FCT) A differential reinforcement procedure that trains an alternative communication response to replace a functionally-equivalent challenging behavior.Forward chaining A chaining method that involves teaching the behavior chain one step at a time, in its naturally occurring order, starting with the first step. The process involves moving on to…Free-operant teaching A teaching methodology in which the SD is part of the natural environment, and responding doesn’t depend on a directive, prompt, or SD presented by a trainer. Appropriate behaviors are…Free-operant behavior A response class that is free to occur and can occur at any time because it is not bound by the control of SDs or prompts.General case analysis A method to program for generalization during instruction that involves teaching the client all the different stimulus variations of a particular SD and the subsequent response variations for those stimuli.Fixed time (FT) A time-based schedule of noncontingent reinforcement delivery. It sets a fixed amount of time between the delivery of noncontingent reinforcers.Errorless learning techniques A method for teaching new skills in a way that prevents or minimizes client errors (e.g., prompting, prompt fading, decreasing response effort, etc.) to ensure that the client emits the…Expanded trial A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which mastered targets are presented as distractors alongside currently targeted SDs.Exclusionary time-out A type of time-out procedure in which the client is removed from the reinforcing (time-in) setting.Existing cache response cost A type of response cost procedure in which challenging behavior results in the removal of previously earned reinforcers.Equivalence-based instruction (EBI) An instructional method based on stimulus equivalence. It maximizes the effectiveness of teaching because a client is directly taught certain targets in such a way that they are able to…Equivalence class A collection of stimuli identified through stimulus equivalence to evoke the same response.Discrimination training A procedure that teaches correct responding by reinforcing responses in the presence of one stimulus condition (the SD), but not in the presence of the other (S∆ ).Discrete-trial teaching (DTT) A structured, table-top, 5-component ABA procedure during which specific skills are broken down into small teachable units and taught to a pre-determined mastery criteria.Differential reinforcement Procedures used to eliminate, reduce, and increase behaviors that involve providing reinforcement for one response class and withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of challenging behavior above or below a pre-determined…Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) A differential reinforcement procedure used to eliminate challenging behaviors. It involves withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing reinforcement for a specific functionally equivalent alternative behavior.Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) A variation of the differential reinforcement of alternative behavior procedures used to eliminate challenging behaviors. It involves withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing reinforcement for…Differential negative reinforcement of incompatible or alternative behavior (DNRI & DNRA) A differential reinforcement procedure used to reduce or eliminate challenging behavior that involves withholding negative reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing negative reinforcement for a functionally…Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) A differential reinforcement procedure in which reinforcement is delivered contingent on the absence/omission of the challenging behavior during a specific time period or moment in time.Differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or below a pre-established rate during…Differential reinforcement of high rates of responding (DRH) A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or above a pre-established rate during…Differential reinforcement of diminishing rates of responding (DRD) A procedure in which reinforcement is delivered at the end of an interval if the target behavior occurs at a lower than preestablished rate criterion. The rate criteria is gradually…Dependent group contingencies A procedure in which a pre-determined criterion for responding is established for one or a small group of people within a larger group, and for everyone in the larger group…Derived stimulus relations A product of equivalence-based instruction (EBI), wherein responding is defined by forming a relation between two or more stimuli that is not directly trained and not based on the physical…Controlling response In self-management procedures, these are the behaviors that help evoke the desired target behavior.Controlled response In self-management procedures, this is the desired target behavior produced by the self-management procedure.Contrived contingency A reinforcer or punisher that is delivered by a practitioner to evoke changes in behavior or the acquisition of skills.Contingent exercise A positive punishment procedure where a client is required to engage in a physical exercise following the occurrence of a challenging behavior.Contingent observation A non-exclusionary time-out procedure where, contingent on challenging behavior, the client is removed from the instructional setting to another part of the same room to observe the time-in setting while…Contingency dependent intervention Any antecedent intervention that manipulates the availability of reinforcement in the presence of a specific SD and offers differential consequences for correct or new/alternative behaviors versus challenging behaviors.Contingency independent intervention Any antecedent intervention that manipulates motivating operations and changes antecedent events to create an evocative or abative effect on behavior.Conditional discriminations Correct responding that requires discriminating an antecedent stimulus condition (SD) that is conditional on the presence of another antecedent stimulus condition for the response to produce reinforcement.Code’s definition of behavior-change intervention The full set of behavioral procedures designed to improve the client’s wellbeing.Code’s definition of behavioral services Services that are explicitly based on the principles and procedures of behavior analysis and are designed to change behavior in meaningful ways. These services include, but are not limited to,…Code’s definition of client The direct recipient of the behavior analyst’s services. At various times during service provision, one or more stakeholders may simultaneously meet the definition of client (e.g., the point at which…Behavior chain A specific sequence of discrete responses/behaviors that, when linked together, form a terminal behavior. Each discrete response/behavior is associated with a particular stimulus condition (SD), and each response and the…Behavior chain with a limited hold Any behavior chain with the requirement of not only being performed correctly and in order, but also within a specified period of time.Chaining A specific collection of methods that are used to connect a specific sequence of stimuli and responses to form new behaviors.Block trial A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which different learning trials (SDs) are presented in blocks, which are gradually reduced in size contingent upon correct responding until the stimuli are presented…Behavior trap A method to program for generalization and maintenance during instruction that involves bringing a target behavior under the control of natural reinforcers by exposing the behavior to those reinforcers.Bonus response cost A type of response cost procedure in which additional non-contingent reinforcers are made available and are removed if the challenging behavior occurs.Antecedent-based self-management procedures A variety of procedures used in self-management that manipulate antecedents to increase or decrease one’s own target behaviors.Backup reinforcer Specific preferred items or activities that can be exchanged for the earned tokens delivered in a token economy system.Antecedent intervention Interventions that are implemented prior to and are not contingent on behavior.Backward chaining A chaining method in which an instructor initially completes the chain in its naturally occurring order, and then the individual is taught one step at a time, starting from the…Backward chaining with leap aheads A variation of the backward chain in which any step in the task analysis that is already in the individual’s repertoire is not formally trained.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: 8 Guidelines for Using Modeling Get ready to model as PTB founder Dana Meller walks you through the eight specific guidelines for using modeling.Dana Do's: Can Changing Criterion Design Be Used to Evaluate Shaping Programs in ABA? Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends. 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.Dana Do's: The Differences Between Stimulus Equivalence and Transitivity, Explained Transitivity is connected to stimulus equivalence, yes, but there’s more to it than that. Let PTB founder Dana Meller explain the key differences between these two concepts.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?Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between DRL and DRD in ABA? Depending on the source, you can get some conflicting information about DRL vs DRD. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a more current look at these two reinforcement procedures. 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: 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: Which Group Contingency Do I Use? PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the three different interventions, related by the group. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.Dana Do's: Relating, Framing and Equating Relating, framing and equating. PTB co-founder Dana Meller drills into the generalizability of relational frame theory, equivalence-based instruction, and stimulus equivalence. Would you believe they all go together? Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-15: Define and provide examples of derived stimulus relations; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization; G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction. 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.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Response-Independent & Dependent Reinforcement Schedules in ABA Sharpen your behavior-change skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that examines an intervention aimed at reducing attention-seeking outbursts. Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA® 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: Response Blocking vs. Extinction 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: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting? PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating 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)Dana Do's: 1-Minute Experimental Design Test Hack (you still have to study it though) 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.The Ultimate Reinforcement Schedules Showdown ➠ FT/VT vs. FI/VI PTB founder Dana Meller delves into the differences and nuances between fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) schedules, as well as fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) schedules. Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Behavior Reduction Procedures PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the utilization of behavior reduction procedures to decrease challenging behavior. Included is a description of extinction, positive punishment, as well as non-contingent reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-14 Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR); G-15: Use extinction and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).Differential Reinforcement Procedure for Problem Behavior Reduction Test your ABA terminology with PTB founder Dana Meller as she discusses the behavior change procedure, differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL). Dana explains how DRL specifically targets lower rates of responding and shares valuable insights on effectively implementing this technique in behavior management strategies. Explore the Reinforcement Procedure Most Similar to Precision Teaching Test your understanding of behavior-change procedures and ABA educational methodologies with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews the specific differential reinforcement procedure most closely connected to precision teaching. Here, Dana provides a concise overview of the individualized instructional method, its focus on fluency-building, and some key aspects of the methodology.Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ DRL vs. DRD Test your ABA knowledge of differential reinforcement procedures as PTB founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key differences between DRL and DRD procedures in ABA.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Differential Reinforcement Procedure Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a specific differential reinforcement procedure. Here, Dana compares and contrasts all of the differential reinforcement procedures: #DRL vs. #,DRD, #DRH, #DRO, as well as #DRA vs. #DRI.Level Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement Procedures Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement with PTB founder Dana Meller as she discusses the specific DR procedure to provide the client with reinforcement for exhibiting higher rates of the target behavior(s) that already exist in their repertoire. Additionally, Dana draws parallels to personal experiences and highlights skill areas for which clients could benefit from this SR schedule.PTB's Special ABA Sauce: Mastering the ABCs of Behavior Test your understanding of the ABCs of Behavior with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she analyzes a tasty scenario to identify the MO, SD, prompt, behavior, and consequence using PTB's special ABC breakdown method. Discover how ordering extra sauce serves as a perfect example to unravel the intricate relationship between MOs, deprivation, SDs, and reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-1: Define and provide examples of behavior, response, and response class, B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control, B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and 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: Chained Versus Tandem Schedules Explained Chained and tandem schedules are both compound schedules. They require correct responding that must also occur in a specific order for reinforcement to be delivered. But that may not be as easy as it sounds.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Level Up Your Chaining Game for Maximum Efficiency & Natural SR+ PTB founder Dana Meller reviews and breaks down in detail a BCBA® mock exam question about different chaining methods in behavior analysis. 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: Extinguished Behaviors Resurge When reinforcement for the alternative replacement behavior is discontinued, extinction for the alternative behavior can resurge. 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 founder Dana Meller breaks it down.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. Dana Do's: How to Know if Your Study Activities are Effective How do you know if your BCBA® study activities are effective? PTB founder Dana Meller shares some key analysis that may help BCBA® exam candidates assess efficacy.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.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.Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams in Your Study Plan I was recently asked if mock exams are useful in predicting how someone will do on the actual big exam. And, is repeating the same mock exam an effective study…Dana Do's: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal, and external validity apart. PTB founder Dana Meller has some tips to do just that.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting Components Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about contingency contracts and their importance in behavior management. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the three essential elements of a contingency contract and how they can be effectively implemented to achieve behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-19: Use contingency contracting.Matching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge Yourself PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews matching-to-sample procedures, focusing on one specific method where stimuli are not physically identical but have a symbolic relationship. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Not All Conditioned Reinforcers Are Created Equal 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.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.Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained 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.Antecedent Intervention ➠ Increasing Compliance with the Art of Timing PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the high-probability request sequence (high-p). Learn how the high-p serves as an effective antecedent intervention and compliance-building strategy. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; and G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Conditioned Reinforcer in This Scenario PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a specific type of conditioned reinforcer. Included is a description of generalized conditioned reinforcers and corresponding examples. Additionally, Dana shares a good rule of thumb for your exam about which stimuli are always identified as generalized conditioned reinforcers. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.Test your Knowledge of ABA Educational Methodologies ➠ Exploring PSI & Key Concepts Test your instructional methodologies knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses PSI (Personalized System of Instruction), highlighting essential keywords and key figures associated with PSI to enhance your understanding of this personalized approach to effective learning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Unwanted Effects in Responding Test your knowledge of reinforcement and punishment procedures. PTB founder Dana Meller addresses the temporary effect in responding that is expected to occur during the implementation of the treatment procedures. Included, Dana contrasts the occurrence of a temporary increase in challenging behavior in an extinction procedure.Dana Do's: Programming Common Stimuli PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about programming common stimuli and how this method can help students feel more prepared on exam day. Refer to Task List section G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization. Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identifying Punishers & Understanding their Impact on Behavior Test your knowledge of behavior principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of punishers, clarifying their true definition based on their effect on behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Physical Guidance to Prompt a Response PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down BCBA® mock exam question about prompting, a response utilizing physical guidance. Included is a description of graduated guidance, least-to-most, and most-to-least prompting methods, as well as stimulus shape transformations. 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).Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Parameters for Using Punishment Test your knowledge of concepts & principles with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the parameters to consider when using punishment.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects Explained Test your knowledge of planning interventions with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explained the types of unwanted treatment side effects. Also included is a description of the two types of contrast effects, positive behavioral contrast and negative behavioral contrast, as well as corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Prompt Dependence Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about how prompt dependence is defined, and a scenario that identifies prompt dependence. 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).Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Difference Between Two Ways to Fade Response Prompts PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains with examples, the distinction between two fade response prompts. 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).Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a Contingency Independent Intervention PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the differences between contingency-independent and contingency-dependent interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) PTB co-founder Dana Meller covers the background of DTT and breaks down the four types. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.Programming for Generalization: Expanding Skills Beyond the Learning Environment There are seven ways to program for generalization. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into "Indiscriminable Contingencies". Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Explore the 2 Types of Negative Reinforcement Test your understanding of negative reinforcement with PTB founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two specific types and details and nuances using relatable examples that significantly impact our everyday lives. Hungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad Cravings Put your knowledge of motivating operations to the test. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into a specific type of CMO and explains how seemingly innocuous visuals on TV ads can trigger a state of deprivation for the advertised item, resembling the effects of an unconditioned motivating operation. Dana presents an intriguing example highlighting the process of pairing and the associations that can unexpectedly ignite intense cravings. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-2 Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Programming for Generalization Test your knowledge of behavior-change procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses generative learning and programming for generalization. Dana explains one of the nine procedures for achieving generalization that emphasizes the need to generalize the response across similar stimuli, while recognizing that different stimuli may require different responses. NOTE: Here, Dana mentions there are seven methods for programming for generalization, which is consistent with the literature for the 4th Edition Task List. But, for the 5th Edition Task List, there are additional methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction and G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ What Are The 3 Types of Extinction? Test your knowledge of Concepts & Principles and Behavior-Change Procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the different types of operant extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction, G-15: Use extinction. Dana Do's: How the BACB® Scores the BCBA® Exam Learn how the BCBA® exam is scored, and what score you should aim for to improve your chances of passing.Access Free BCBA®/BCaBA® Exam Prep Resources Not all BCBA® exam prep is equal—quality matters. Check out PTB's free, reliable study materials, mock questions, and guides to help you Pass the Big ABA Exam.Dana Do's: Radical Behaviorism's Origin Story If you too are confused about radical behaviorism, then this is for you. PTB founder Dana Meller explains behaviorism, with a twist.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’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: 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. Three Hallmarks of High Quality Test Prep Preparing for the BCBA® exam is a marathon– and a dizzying one at that. There are an overwhelming number of options out there for study materials… So how do you…Dana Do's: How to Ease Exam Nerves PTB founder Dana Meller offers some helpful advice to quell exam day jitters.Dana Do's: What to Do the Night Before the Big Exam Some advice about what to do the night before the BCBA®/BCaBA® exam from PTB founder Dana Meller.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: 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.Dana Do's: And Just Like That, Context and Application for TCO Domain Items How does going to ABA conferences help you pass the BCBA® exam? PTB 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.Dana Do's: The Pros and Cons of Answering BCBA® Exam Questions Before Reviewing Answer Options PTB is always looking for easy-to-incorporate strategies that are going to increase the chances of a correct response. So, is it a good strategy to answer test questions before looking at the answers? PTB co-founder Dana Meller weighs in. 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, 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.A Behavior-Analytic Approach to New Year’s Resolutions 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.Dana 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.PTB Year in Prep: A Data-Filled Look at 2023’s Study Stats 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…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.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.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's Do's: Struggling with ABA Jargon? Watch This. The clinical jargon of ABA can be one of the most intimidating parts of BCBA® exam prep. However, as PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains, understanding the source material like textbooks and literature— no matter how dense they may be— is imperative for exam day success. 5 Ways to Make the Big Exam Feel Less Scary Preparing for the BCBA® exam can be daunting, but with these five tips, you can ease the stress. From studying smart to planning for the unexpected, these strategies will help you feel confident and ready on exam day.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 founder Dana Meller shares her insight into how rote memorization can create a false sense of confidence while offering tips to improve knowledge generalization.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…5 Science-Backed Tips to Make Your Study Space More Soothing Transform your study space into a soothing environment with these five science-backed tips. 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…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 pressure, not to worry, PTB is here with six tips for managing stress while studying.5 Reasons You Need a Mock Exam Before the Big Day When it comes to devising a study plan for the BCBA® exam, there’s no “one size fits all” strategy. Different learning styles require different techniques, and it’s important to study…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.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Motivating Operation Example Explained Test your concepts and principles knowledge with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a question about identifying the specific motivating operation described in the scenario. Included is a breakdown of the two components, or effects, that operate underneath the MO umbrella.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Ethics Question: What's the Magic Number? The Ideal Supervisory Load PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about an ethical consideration for behavior analysts. Discover the significance of independent decision-making to ensure client well-being. Refer to BACB® Ethics Code For Behavior Analysts Section 4.03: Supervisory Volume (see 1.02, 1.05, 2.01)Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identifying Measurement Confounds in Experimental Design PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that explores the difference between measurement confounds and subject confounds, how they relate to threats to internal validity in ABA research. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-2: Distinguish between internal and external validity.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Choice-Making PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that focuses on understanding preferences and reinforcement, and how analyzing choices can provide a window into what reinforces behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-5: Conduct preference assessments.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Winning Measurement System to Record Client Tolerance to Losing Let's review and break down a BCBA® mock exam question about measurement techniques in ABA, specifically percentage of opportunity. PTB 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.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Ethical Considerations in Experimental Design 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: Satiated and Satisfied— Understanding Motivating Operations 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.5 Test-Taking Tips to Help You Pass the BCBA® Exam Prepare for success on exam day with these five tips.6 Science-Backed Study Tips for Your Next Study Session From switching up your study environment to quizzing yourself, these strategies will help improve focus, memory, and retention on the exam.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Key Elements of Baseline Logic for Multiple Baseline Design PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about baseline logic for a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Dana explains the significance of replication in providing more convincing evidence of a functional relationship and how to make scientific justifications using baseline logic in various designs.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Play Along & Identify the Demand Condition in this FA Scenario Test your behavior assessment skills. Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about functional analysis (FA) including its role in testing for the escape function of behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-8: Conduct a functional analysis of problem behavior.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Functional Assessment Procedures Focusing on ABC data collection, PTB founder Dana Meller discusses functional assessment procedures. Dana explains how to generate mathematical probabilities for target behaviors based on specific antecedents and consequences, providing a step-by-step guide to quantitatively analyzing the gathered information.Let's Break Down and BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Dimensions of ABA — Basic Principles to Epic Interventions Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question on the dimensions of ABA, their application in real-world scenarios, and what sets behavior analysts apart. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Let's Get Physical with Imitation Training & Formal Similarity PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that targets the essential aspects of imitation training, breaking down the four defining features of successful imitation and how these elements contribute to effective learning and skill acquisition. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-5: Use modeling and imitation training.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Broadening the Scope of Trials to Criterion Measurements PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about measurement used to derive trials to criterion data. Dana explains how this measurement can be a powerful tool in understanding and improving behavior performance across different dimensions.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…Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Cumulative Record Calculations PTB founder Dana Meller reviews a question about using cumulative records and their significance in behavior analysis. Learn how to utilize cumulative graphs to track behavior over specific time periods and measure and calculate response rates for insightful data analysis.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant Conditioning that Automatically Occurs 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.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.Put Your ABA Knowledge to the Test ➠ Identifying the Attitude of Science Test your ABA terminology knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses one of the six attitudes of science that focuses on data-based decision-making, explaining how this attitude emphasizes our reliance on facts and objective quantification. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Reversal Design Variations With Only One Reversal Test your experimental design skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews and breaks down a mock exam question about reversal design variations that display only one reversal. Included is a description of A-B-A, B-A-B, and A-B-A-B reversal designs.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Analyzing Untrained Reverse Relations in Stimulus Equivalence PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of stimulus equivalence, focusing on the one that leads to an untrained relation with a reverse relation. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: This Factor Won't Derail Extinction Procedure Success PTB co-founder Dana Meller has an exciting challenge for all of you behavior-change enthusiasts as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question centered on extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-15: Use extinction.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Stimulus Control & Game-Changing Learning Factors PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that distills the factors that affect stimulus control in behavior analysis. Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Select the Correct Elementary Verbal Operant PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews verbal behavior, and explains which of the six elementary verbal operants is controlled by a written verbal Sᴰ, and also shares point-to-point correspondence. Included is a comparison of the different Sᴰ(s) that control(s) each elementary verbal operant. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Who Wants to Learn More About Elementary Verbal Operants? Let's break down a BCBA® exam mocj question about verbal behavior, focusing on one of the elementary verbal operants - the intraverbal. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the differences between the intraverbal and other verbal operants, providing a comprehensive understanding of each category. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: The Best Example of a Behavior Test your concepts and principles knowledge. PTB founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about identifying the best example of a behavior. Included is a detailed breakdown of various options that could be helpful when approaching this type of question on the big ABA exam.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Measurement System in This Scenario Test your measurement, data display, and interpretation knowledge with PTB founder Dana Meller as she discusses one specific measurement system that measures the effect of the behavior after its occurrence. Here, Dana details the two ways someone could implement this type of measurement system, provides examples of scenarios and a variety of corresponding measurement methods, and highlights some of the pros of utilizing this type of measurement system.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Hypothesize the Function of Disruptive Behavior in Circle Time PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question, exploring various possibilities to better understand the reasons behind the behavior in this scenario.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Flex Your Ethics Muscles ➠ How Well Do You Know the Code? PTB founder Dana Meller explores the main sections of the Code, explaining the significance and ethical responsibilities of each.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Analyzing the Fundamental IV & BehaviorChange Relationship Hone your experimental design skills through review of a BCBA® mock exam question. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the crucial aspect of experiments—how they demonstrate changes in behavior attributed to the independent variable. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-2: Distinguish between internal and external validity.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Master Your Understanding of Autoclitic Verbal Behavior PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the complexities of autoclitics and their role in effective communication. Enhance your understanding of this secondary verbal operant as Dana presents real-life examples of autoclitics and their significance, particularly for individuals with social disabilities. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.Dana Do's: How to Know When You're Ready to Sit for the BCBA® Exam PTB founder Dana Meller talks about measuring exam readiness. How do you know if you’re ready to sit?Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Correct Dimension of ABA Test your understanding of philosophical underpinnings with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the dimension of ABA, exhibited when a behavior analyst utilizes assessment methods to identify the function of challenging behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).Dana Do's: Understanding the ABC's of Behavior Used to Break Down Test Questions PTB founder Dana Meller shares how our ABA superpowers can be used to break down exam questions to organize BCBA® exam prep.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Compound Schedules of Reinforcement Test your knowledge with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews one of the compound schedules of reinforcement without Sᴰs. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.ABA Terminology ➠ Stimuli Paired in Respondent Conditioning Learn about respondent conditioning, where an unconditioned stimulus and a neutral stimulus are paired to create a conditioned response. Dana Do's: The Secret to Test Questions PTB founder Dana Meller shares a surprisingly easy trick to interpret the call-to-action of a mock or actual test question on the BCBA® or BCaBA® exam.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a 3-Phase Reversal Experimental Design Test your ABA experimental design skills with a breakdown of a BCBA® mock exam question about the identification of a three-phase experimental design. Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Verbal Operant Explained in This Scenario Learn how your verbal behavior, reinforced in the past, defines the operant, even if it’s not reinforced in the moment. PTB founder Dana Meller clears up common misconceptions about mands and their reinforcement history.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.Dana Do's: Use Mistakes to Assess How You Test PTB founder Dana Meller shares insights on how to use your mock BCBA® exam mistakes to assess and improve your test-taking behavior. Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Compound Schedule of Reinforcement Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB founder Dana Meller, as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the compound schedule of reinforcement in the context of voting. Here, Dana details the key features of the mixed, concurrent, conjunctive, and tandem schedules of reinforcement, as well as provides corresponding examples.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Pivotal Behavior vs. Behavior Cusp Test your behavior assessment knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares and contrasts pivotal behavior vs. behavior cusp, providing several corresponding examples of each, as they relate to identifying the target behaviors that need prioritization for treatment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-3: Identify and prioritize socially significant behavior-change goals.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Interpret Descriptive Assessment Data Test your knowledge of interpreting descriptive assessment ABC data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she discusses conditional probability, including the rules that apply, and provides a step-by-step example using the calculation formula and how to report these data. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior; F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast in ABA Put your ABA terminology knowledge to the test with PTB founder Dana Meller as she compares two commonly confused terms: matching law vs. behavioral contrast, and discusses corresponding examples of each.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Temporal Contiguity Explained in Detail Test your knowledge of concepts and principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the term temporal contiguity, its association with operant and respondent conditioning. Here, Dana breaks down the different relationship factors that contiguity shares with operant and respondent conditioning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Replication Using the Dimensions of ABA Test your Philosophical Underpinnings knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about identifying the specific dimension of ABA that ensures behavior analytic work can be replicated. Included is a description of behavioral, conceptually systematic, effective, and technological. As an added bonus, Dana shares a clever exercise that helps have better clarity on the purpose of each dimensions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify This Experimental Design Scenario Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she offers guidance to identify the specific experimental design relating to a scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Name the Conditioned Motivating Operation (CMO) in This Scenario Test your knowledge of ABA concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a memorable question about the specific conditioned motivating operation (CMO) described in the scenario, as well as provides additional examples. Included are a description of the CMO pairing process and the resulting behavior and value-altering effects acquired through the pairing process. As a BONUS, Dana shares a tip that will help you on the Big Exam with questions related to CMO. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Derivative Measures Explained Put your knowledge of occurence measurement to the test with PTB founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two types of derivative measures, and each of their defining features and applications. Dana focuses on the derivative measure used for comparing two or more procedures, teaching clients new skills, evaluating mastery over a class of concepts, and the various measurement methods.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Negative Reinforcement Contingencies Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about negative reinforcement. Included is a description of CMOS, free operant avoidance, and discriminated avoidance, as well as corresponding detailed examples.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ MO vs Sᵈ Test your understanding of antecedents and behavior change with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the distinction between Sᵈs and MOs, explores their evocative function, and discusses how they can alter our behavioral repertoire when combined. Through relatable examples, Dana illustrates the importance of understanding the interplay between Sᵈs and MOs in behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control and B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Use the Dimensions of ABA to Identify, "What Makes Us Behavioral?" Test your Philosophical Underpinnings knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that breaks down the dimensions of ABA, identifying the specific dimension that describes the defining features of a behavior analyst. Included is a description of each of the answer options, determinism, empiricism, applied, and behavioral. Refer to the BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Understanding Behavior-Altering Effects Test your terminology. PTB founder Dana Meller explains the umbrella term, "motivating operations" and breaks down the sub-categories.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Behavioral Momentum PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question related to behavioral momentum.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement Test your knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains the specific indicator of trustworthy measurement that corresponds with repeated measurement yielding the same result. Included is a description of all three indicators of trustworthy measurement validity, accuracy, and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Understanding Equal-Interval Graphs & Logarithmic Scales Test your knowledge of ABA graphs with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about equal-interval graphs, exploring their unique properties. Included, Dana explains the concept of proportional values and highlights the graph(s) which operate on a logarithmic scale, offering a different perspective on changes in behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections C-10: Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records); C-11: Interpret graphed data.Test Your ABA Ethics Terminology ➠ Multiple Relationships At all costs, avoid multiple relationships. Refer to BACB® | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | Section 1.11: Multiple RelationshipsTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Confounding Threats to Internal Validity Test your knowledge of measurement confounds with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one of the four types of threats to internal validity, with corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: It's the IOA Battle Royal. Which Formula Gets Knocked Out? Sharpen your measurement skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about IOA and helps explain the different formulas used for time sampling measurements. Dana covers four IOA formulas: Interval-by-Interval, Scored Interval, Trial-by-Tial, and Unscored Interval; and highlights key considerations and pitfalls associated with each. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Fundamental Properties of Behavior Change Test your ability to interpret graphed data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the three fundamental properties of behavior change, focusing on one specific property akin to an average or median. Included are descriptions of level, trend, variability, and the y-axis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: The #1 Threat to Accuracy and Reliability Test your measurement knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the key indicators of trustworthy measurement, revealing the most significant threat facing accuracy and reliability. Dana provides insight into the distinctions between reliability, validity, and accuracy and how they relate to measurement. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Understanding Respondent-Operant Interactions Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that explores respondent-operant interactions, comparing and contrasting habilitation, habituation, and adaptation, with an emphasis on the importance of reinforcement. The breakdown touches on operant conditioning and its role in behavior change. Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Stimulus Class Test your knowledge of concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about identifying a specific type of stimulus class, and the features associated with the three main stimulus class variations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Understanding Respondent Conditioning Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about respondent conditioning, breaking down the process. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Basic Schedules of Intermittent Reinforcement Enhance your understanding of ABA concepts and principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller's explanation of a BCBA® mock exam question based on basic schedules of intermittent reinforcement, including fixed interval, fixed ratio, variable interval, and variable ratio schedules. Explore the unique patterns of responding associated with each schedule, and learn more about the schedule that produces a postreinforcement pause. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.Test your ABA Ethics ➠ Practicing Within Scope of Competence Test your ABA Ethics Knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviewing the ethics behind practicing within one’s scope of competence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section E-1: Responsible conduct of behavior analysts BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Section 1.05: Practicing Within Scope of Competence 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. Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Intervention's Reinforcement Schedule Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the differences between contingent and non-contingent schedules, focusing on an antecedent-based, response-independent schedule of reinforcement.Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Compound Schedules of Reinforcement Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the chained schedule, compound schedule of reinforcement. Included is a description of the alternative schedule, concurrent schedule, and conjunctive schedule.
