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 initiating peer play, but staff are unsure what the client currently prefers. What assessment is most relevant? The BCBA is checking whether the response matches the referral concern.

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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