Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: applied scenario.
Before selecting a goal for student, the BCBA needs information related to functional analyses. What should happen next? The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 2 settings.
AUse a familiar protocol even though it does not address descriptive assessment and functional analysis
BRely on teacher's report alone and stop collecting direct evidence
CChange the intervention immediately based on the concern alone
DSelect assessment methods that clarify patterns or function while considering safety and referral needs in relation to student's calling out during independent workCorrect answer
Explanation
Answer DThe clue is the combination of frequency data that vary from 3 to 11 responses per session, calling out during independent work, and the required task: Functional analyses. The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 2 settings. Select assessment methods that clarify patterns or function while considering safety and referral needs in relation to student's calling out during independent work is best because it answers that clue through descriptive assessment and functional analysis instead of treating the scenario as a generic behavior problem. On exam items like this, name the decision point first, then eliminate options that rely on one report, a label, a familiar protocol, or an action that skips the relevant data check.
Why this question is hard
ClueKey scenario clueThe clue is the combination of frequency data that vary from 3 to 11 responses per session, calling out during independent work, and the required task: Functional analyses. The case file includes 3 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 2 settings.
TrapCommon trapA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
NextIf you missed it, review Descriptive assessment and functional analysisThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
AChoice AA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
BChoice BStakeholder input matters, but direct data, context, and integrity checks are still needed for a defensible answer.
CChoice CThis is weaker because it skips the assessment, integrity, or decision rule needed before changing procedures.
Study tags
Descriptive assessment and functional analysisFunctional analysesdescriptive assessmentfunctional analysis
Related concept pages
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