Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: experimental design critique.
A BCBA is evaluating whether an intervention changed leaving the instructional area. A second program change began during the same week. Which concern best reflects single-case design data critique and interpretation? The case file includes 9 recent sessions, 4 implementers, and 3 settings.
ASend the written protocol again without observing performance
BProceed informally because the team believes the action will help
CInterpret level, trend, variability, overlap, and integrity data before changing the plan in relation to learner's leaving the instructional areaCorrect answer
DTell everyone to try harder and review the case next month
Explanation
Answer CThe clue is the combination of four sessions of stable baseline data followed by two overlapping intervention points, leaving the instructional area, and the required task: Single-case design data critique and interpretation. The case file includes 9 recent sessions, 4 implementers, and 3 settings. Interpret level, trend, variability, overlap, and integrity data before changing the plan in relation to learner's leaving the instructional area is best because it answers that clue through visual analysis and data-based decisions 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 four sessions of stable baseline data followed by two overlapping intervention points, leaving the instructional area, and the required task: Single-case design data critique and interpretation. The case file includes 9 recent sessions, 4 implementers, and 3 settings.
TrapCommon trapWritten directions alone do not verify performance or correct implementation errors.
NextIf you missed it, review Visual analysis and data-based decisionsThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
AChoice AWritten directions alone do not verify performance or correct implementation errors.
BChoice BGood intent does not replace consent, documentation, competence, or other safeguards.
DChoice DVague delayed feedback does not create a measurable plan for improvement.
Study tags
Visual analysis and data-based decisionsSingle-case design data critique and interpretationleveltrend
Related concept pages
Turn this into a study plan
If this question felt difficult, practice a short drill from Experimental Design and use the review page to turn missed items into a weak-area plan.
Practice interactively
Try more BCBA scenario questions in the interactive practice mode, then use review tools to track missed domains and flagged items.