Practice question
Behavior Assessment

Select assessment methods before intervention.

Original BCBA scenario practice question with answer explanation and wrong-choice notes.

Question

Difficulty: easy. Skill: recognize. Type: applied scenario.

A teacher reports that a learner screams during independent work. No data have been collected and the function is unknown. What should the BCBA do first?

A
Implement noncontingent reinforcement immediately
B
Conduct assessment to identify patterns and possible function

Correct answer

C
Put screaming on extinction in all settings
D
Teach the learner to request a break without collecting baseline data

Explanation

Answer B

Intervention selection should be guided by assessment. The BCBA needs data about antecedents, consequences, and patterns before choosing procedures.

Why the other choices are weaker

A
Choice A

NCR may be useful for some functions, but function has not been assessed.

C
Choice C

Extinction requires knowing the maintaining reinforcer and planning for safety.

D
Choice D

FCT may be appropriate later, but assessment comes first.

Study tags

AssessmentFunctionIntervention Planning

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