Question
Difficulty: easy. Skill: recognize. Type: applied scenario.
Before selecting a goal for client, the BCBA needs information related to functional analyses. What should happen next? The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings.
ABase the decision on the descriptive label for repeating questions after instructions and bypass functional analyses
BUse a familiar protocol even though it does not address descriptive assessment and functional analysis
CRely on caregiver's report alone and stop collecting direct evidence
DSelect assessment methods that clarify patterns or function while considering safety and referral needs in relation to client's repeating questions after instructionsCorrect answer
Explanation
Answer DThe clue is the combination of parent report that conflicts with recent session data, repeating questions after instructions, and the required task: Functional analyses. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings. Select assessment methods that clarify patterns or function while considering safety and referral needs in relation to client's repeating questions after instructions is best because it answers that clue through descriptive assessment and functional analysis 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 parent report that conflicts with recent session data, repeating questions after instructions, and the required task: Functional analyses. The case file includes 2 recent sessions, 1 implementer, and 2 settings.
TrapCommon trapThis is weaker because the label does not answer the Functional analyses decision point or test Descriptive assessment and functional analysis.
NextIf you missed it, review Descriptive assessment and functional analysisThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
AChoice AThis is weaker because the label does not answer the Functional analyses decision point or test Descriptive assessment and functional analysis.
BChoice BA familiar protocol is not enough unless it matches the assessed variables and the current decision question.
CChoice CStakeholder input matters, but direct data, context, and integrity checks are still needed for a defensible answer.
Study tags
Descriptive assessment and functional analysisFunctional analysesdescriptive assessmentfunctional analysis
Related concept pages
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