Practice question
Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation

Interpret level, trend, and variability before making a treatment decision.

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

Question

Difficulty: hard. Skill: analyze. Type: concept discrimination.

A line graph shows problem behavior was stable at 8 to 10 responses per session during baseline. After intervention, the first three data points are 9, 7, and 8. What is the best interpretation?

A
The intervention clearly produced a strong effect
B
The intervention should be abandoned immediately
C
The data do not yet show a clear change in level or trend

Correct answer

D
The baseline data prove the behavior is maintained by escape

Explanation

Answer C

The intervention data overlap with baseline and do not yet show a convincing level or trend change. More data or procedural review may be needed before a firm decision.

Why the other choices are weaker

A
Choice A

The intervention points overlap with baseline, so a strong effect is not clear.

B
Choice B

Abandoning immediately is premature when only a few similar data points are available.

D
Choice D

A graph of response frequency alone does not identify function.

Study tags

GraphingData InterpretationDecision Making

Practice interactively

Try more BCBA scenario questions in the interactive practice mode, then use review tools to track missed domains and flagged items.

Start practiceMore free questions