Practice question
Behavior Assessment

Select assessment methods based on the referral question.

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

Question

Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: applied scenario.

A team needs reinforcers for teaching using a communication card, but staff are unsure what the participant currently prefers. What assessment is most relevant? The BCBA is reviewing the decision with a trainee.

A
Assume last year's favorite item is still effective
B
Skip reinforcement until the learner complies
C
Conduct a preference assessment and verify reinforcer effects during teaching

Correct answer

D
Use only a diagnostic label to choose reinforcers

Explanation

Answer C

Preference assessment identifies likely reinforcers, and teaching data verify whether those stimuli function as reinforcers.

Why the other choices are weaker

A
Choice A

Preferences can shift and should be assessed in the current context.

B
Choice B

Teaching plans need effective consequences to build skills.

D
Choice D

Diagnosis does not identify individual current preferences.

Study tags

Preference AssessmentDirect ObservationDirect Observation

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