Practice question
Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation

Discontinuous measurement design and use: Measurement system selection.

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

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Question

Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: data interpretation.

A BCBA reviews caregiver notes plus one direct observation for dropping to the floor when demands are presented. The next decision depends on discontinuous measurement design and use. What should the BCBA do? The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting.

A
Base the decision on the descriptive label for dropping to the floor when demands are presented and bypass discontinuous measurement design and use
B
Use a familiar protocol even though it does not address measurement system selection
C
Choose the measurement system that matches the behavior dimension and decision question in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presented

Correct answer

D
Rely on parent's report alone and stop collecting direct evidence

Explanation

Answer C

The clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Discontinuous measurement design and use. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting. Choose the measurement system that matches the behavior dimension and decision question in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presented is best because it answers that clue through measurement system selection 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

Clue
Key scenario clue

The clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Discontinuous measurement design and use. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting.

Trap
Common trap

This is weaker because the label does not answer the Discontinuous measurement design and use decision point or test Measurement system selection.

Next
If you missed it, review Measurement system selection

Then answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.

Why the other choices are weaker

A
Choice A

This is weaker because the label does not answer the Discontinuous measurement design and use decision point or test Measurement system selection.

B
Choice B

A familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.

D
Choice D

Stakeholder input matters, but direct data, context, and integrity checks are still needed for a defensible answer.

Study tags

Measurement system selectionDiscontinuous measurement design and usefrequencyrate

Turn this into a study plan

If this question felt difficult, practice a short drill from Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation and use the review page to turn missed items into a weak-area plan.

Test this weak areaStart C domain drillReview missed questionsExplain my own question

Related study guides

GuideDistractor patternsUse this if the wrong answer sounded plausible.GuideMissed-question reviewUse this if you want to turn the miss into a study rule.GuideScore plateau guideUse this if similar mistakes keep repeating.

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Question FAQ

What BCBA domain does this question cover?

This practice question is tagged to Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation. It also includes study tags for Measurement system selection, Discontinuous measurement design and use, frequency, rate.

How should I review this practice question?

Answer the scenario before reading the explanation, compare your reasoning with the correct answer, then review why the distractors are weaker.

Is this an official BACB exam question?

No. This is an original study question for BCBA Scenario Tutor and is not an official BACB exam item.

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