Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: experimental design critique.
A BCBA is evaluating whether an intervention changed grabbing preferred items. A second program change began during the same week. Which concern best reflects internal and external validity? The case file includes 10 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting.
AProceed informally because the team believes the action will help
BTell everyone to try harder and review the case next month
CCheck measurement quality, observer agreement, and procedural integrity before making a major decision in relation to adolescent's grabbing preferred itemsCorrect answer
DTreat the most recent data point as proof of the final conclusion
Explanation
Answer CThe clue is the combination of ABC data from three outings, grabbing preferred items, and the required task: Internal and external validity. The case file includes 10 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting. Check measurement quality, observer agreement, and procedural integrity before making a major decision in relation to adolescent's grabbing preferred items is best because it answers that clue through measurement quality and procedural integrity 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 ABC data from three outings, grabbing preferred items, and the required task: Internal and external validity. The case file includes 10 recent sessions, 3 implementers, and 1 setting.
TrapCommon trapGood intent does not replace consent, documentation, competence, or other safeguards.
NextIf you missed it, review Internal validity and confoundsThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
AChoice AGood intent does not replace consent, documentation, competence, or other safeguards.
BChoice BVague delayed feedback does not create a measurable plan for improvement.
DChoice DA single point rarely supports a strong conclusion without considering trend, variability, and context.
Study tags
Measurement quality and procedural integrityInternal and external validityvalidityreliability
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