Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Practice Exam
Which of the following is an example of continuous measurement?
a) Partial interval recording
b) Whole interval recording
c) Frequency counting
d) Momentary time sampling
Answer: c) Frequency counting
Explanation: Continuous measurement involves recording every instance of behavior. Frequency counting (tallying each occurrence) is an example of this, whereas interval recording and time sampling are discontinuous methods.
A behavior analyst asks an RBT to measure how long a child engages in tantrum behavior. What type of data collection is this?
a) Latency
b) Duration
c) Inter-response time
d) Frequency
Answer: b) Duration
Explanation: Duration measures how long a behavior lasts, which is the focus when tracking tantrums. Latency measures the time before a behavior starts, inter-response time measures the gap between behaviors, and frequency counts occurrences.
Latency recording would be most appropriate for measuring:
a) The number of times a child raises their hand in class
b) The time between a teacher giving a direction and the child following it
c) How long a child remains seated during a lesson
d) The number of tantrums a child has in a day
Answer: b) The time between a teacher giving a direction and the child following it
Explanation: Latency measures the time between a prompt and a response, which applies when measuring how long it takes for a child to comply after being given a direction.
Which recording method involves noting whether a behavior occurs at any time during a set interval?
a) Partial interval recording
b) Whole interval recording
c) Momentary time sampling
d) Frequency recording
Answer: a) Partial interval recording
Explanation: Partial interval recording marks behavior as occurring if it happens at any time during the interval, even if briefly. This can overestimate behavior. Whole interval recording requires the behavior to occur for the entire interval.
What is an advantage of momentary time sampling?
a) It provides an exact count of behavior occurrences
b) It requires continuous observation
c) It is useful when continuous measurement is not possible
d) It underestimates behavior frequency
Answer: c) It is useful when continuous measurement is not possible
Explanation: Momentary time sampling allows data collection at set moments, making it useful when continuous tracking isn’t feasible. However, it may miss occurrences of behavior.
An RBT records the time between instances of a child saying “hello” to different peers. What is being measured?
a) Duration
b) Latency
c) Inter-response time
d) Rate
Answer: c) Inter-response time
Explanation: Inter-response time (IRT) measures the time between instances of the same behavior. This helps assess pacing and frequency of responses.
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is used to:
a) Diagnose a child with a specific disorder
b) Identify the function of a behavior
c) Implement a treatment plan
d) Measure academic performance
Answer: b) Identify the function of a behavior
Explanation: An FBA helps determine why a behavior occurs, guiding intervention strategies. It does not diagnose disorders.
Which of the following is NOT a common function of behavior?
a) Sensory stimulation
b) Escape
c) Sleep deprivation
d) Attention
Answer: c) Sleep deprivation
Explanation: The four common functions of behavior are sensory stimulation, escape, attention, and access to tangibles. Sleep deprivation is not a function of behavior.
What is a preference assessment used for?
a) Identifying problem behaviors
b) Determining reinforcers for a client
c) Measuring academic performance
d) Assessing cognitive skills
Answer: b) Determining reinforcers for a client
Explanation: Preference assessments help identify potential reinforcers, which can be used to motivate behavior change.
Which of the following is an indirect assessment method?
a) Functional analysis
b) ABC recording
c) Interviews with caregivers
d) Direct observation
Answer: c) Interviews with caregivers
Explanation: Indirect assessments gather information through reports from caregivers, while direct methods involve observing behavior.
What is the main goal of discrete trial training (DTT)?
a) To make learning less structured
b) To teach skills systematically using repetition
c) To increase problem behaviors
d) To replace reinforcement with punishment
Answer: b) To teach skills systematically using repetition
Explanation: DTT breaks tasks into small steps, using reinforcement and repetition to teach new skills effectively.
A behavior analyst instructs an RBT to provide reinforcement only when a child correctly labels an object after a prompt. This is an example of:
a) Negative reinforcement
b) Differential reinforcement
c) Extinction
d) Punishment
Answer: b) Differential reinforcement
Explanation: Differential reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors by providing reinforcement only for specific correct responses.
Which of the following data collection methods records every occurrence of a behavior?
a) Whole interval recording
b) Partial interval recording
c) Frequency recording
d) Momentary time sampling
Answer: c) Frequency recording
Explanation: Frequency recording is a continuous measurement procedure that counts every instance of a behavior. Interval recording and time sampling methods only record behavior at certain times.
An RBT records how long a child engages in hand-flapping behavior. This is an example of:
a) Frequency recording
b) Duration recording
c) Latency recording
d) Partial interval recording
Answer: b) Duration recording
Explanation: Duration recording measures how long a behavior occurs. It is useful for behaviors that last over time, such as tantrums or hand-flapping.
If an RBT measures how long it takes for a student to start a task after a teacher’s instruction, they are recording:
a) Duration
b) Latency
c) Frequency
d) Inter-response time
Answer: b) Latency
Explanation: Latency is the time between a stimulus (e.g., instruction) and the start of a behavior (e.g., beginning a task).
An RBT uses whole interval recording to track classroom engagement. This means they record:
a) If behavior occurs at any point during an interval
b) If behavior occurs for the entire interval
c) The number of times a behavior occurs
d) The duration of the behavior
Answer: b) If behavior occurs for the entire interval
Explanation: Whole interval recording requires that the behavior happens for the entire interval to be marked as occurring, often underestimating behavior frequency.
A teacher uses momentary time sampling to record student engagement. This means they:
a) Record every time a student is engaged
b) Check engagement only at the end of an interval
c) Record whether engagement occurs at any point in an interval
d) Measure how long engagement lasts
Answer: b) Check engagement only at the end of an interval
Explanation: Momentary time sampling records whether behavior is occurring at the moment the interval ends. It is useful for estimating behavior trends without continuous observation.
Which measurement system is best for tracking how frequently a student raises their hand in class?
a) Duration recording
b) Whole interval recording
c) Frequency recording
d) Momentary time sampling
Answer: c) Frequency recording
Explanation: Frequency recording is ideal for discrete behaviors like raising a hand, as it counts the exact number of times the behavior occurs.
What is the primary purpose of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
a) To diagnose autism
b) To determine the function of a behavior
c) To implement a punishment plan
d) To teach academic skills
Answer: b) To determine the function of a behavior
Explanation: An FBA helps identify why a behavior occurs (e.g., escape, attention-seeking, sensory stimulation, or access to tangibles) to develop effective interventions.
Which of the following is an indirect method of behavior assessment?
a) Functional analysis
b) ABC data collection
c) Caregiver interviews
d) Direct observation
Answer: c) Caregiver interviews
Explanation: Indirect methods, such as interviews and questionnaires, gather secondhand information, while direct methods involve direct observation of behavior.
What is a reinforcer assessment used for?
a) Identifying problem behaviors
b) Determining what items or activities motivate a learner
c) Measuring a child’s IQ
d) Tracking the duration of behavior
Answer: b) Determining what items or activities motivate a learner
Explanation: A reinforcer assessment helps identify items or activities that increase the likelihood of desired behavior.
A behavior analyst asks an RBT to conduct an ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) assessment. This involves:
a) Identifying medical causes of behavior
b) Recording what happens before, during, and after a behavior
c) Conducting an IQ test
d) Teaching replacement behaviors
Answer: b) Recording what happens before, during, and after a behavior
Explanation: ABC data collection helps identify patterns in behavior by tracking antecedents (what happens before), behavior (the action), and consequences (what happens after).
What is the main goal of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
a) To make learning less structured
b) To teach skills in a structured and repetitive manner
c) To increase problem behaviors
d) To punish incorrect responses
Answer: b) To teach skills in a structured and repetitive manner
Explanation: DTT involves breaking skills into small steps and using repetition and reinforcement to promote learning.
Which of the following is an example of natural environment teaching (NET)?
a) Practicing a conversation in a therapy room
b) Teaching a child to request juice during snack time
c) Using flashcards to teach vocabulary
d) Implementing a strict instruction-following session
Answer: b) Teaching a child to request juice during snack time
Explanation: NET uses real-life situations to teach skills in a natural setting, increasing the likelihood of generalization.
Extinction occurs when:
a) A reinforcer is removed to decrease behavior
b) Punishment is used to stop behavior
c) A new skill is taught
d) A child is given a break from a task
Answer: a) A reinforcer is removed to decrease behavior
Explanation: Extinction reduces behavior by withholding reinforcement that previously maintained it.
Which of the following is an example of differential reinforcement?
a) Reinforcing on a fixed schedule
b) Ignoring all behaviors
c) Reinforcing appropriate behavior while withholding reinforcement for inappropriate behavior
d) Using only punishment
Answer: c) Reinforcing appropriate behavior while withholding reinforcement for inappropriate behavior
Explanation: Differential reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors while reducing undesired ones.
If an RBT witnesses abuse, they should:
a) Report it to the behavior analyst and appropriate authorities
b) Ignore it
c) Handle it alone
d) Only tell the caregiver
Answer: a) Report it to the behavior analyst and appropriate authorities
Explanation: RBTs are mandated reporters and must report suspected abuse immediately.
An RBT is working with a family who asks them to babysit. The RBT should:
a) Accept the job
b) Decline due to ethical conflicts
c) Ask for permission from the BCBA
d) Negotiate a price first
Answer: b) Decline due to ethical conflicts
Explanation: Babysitting would create a dual relationship, which is against the RBT ethics code.
What type of data collection method involves recording the time that elapses from the presentation of a stimulus to the initiation of a response?
a) Inter-response time
b) Latency
c) Frequency
d) Whole interval
Answer: b) Latency
Explanation: Latency measures the time between a stimulus (e.g., instruction) and the beginning of the behavior.
An RBT records data every time a child hits their desk. What type of measurement is this?
a) Duration
b) Frequency
c) Whole interval recording
d) Partial interval recording
Answer: b) Frequency
Explanation: Frequency measurement involves counting the number of times a behavior occurs.
What is the best way to measure how long a child engages in non-compliance?
a) Duration
b) Frequency
c) Latency
d) Momentary time sampling
Answer: a) Duration
Explanation: Duration is used to measure how long a behavior occurs, making it useful for tracking non-compliance.
Which measurement method provides an estimate of behavior rather than an exact count?
a) Frequency
b) Whole interval recording
c) Rate
d) Latency
Answer: b) Whole interval recording
Explanation: Whole interval recording requires behavior to occur for the entire interval to be recorded, which may underestimate behavior.
If an RBT wants to measure how much time passes between two instances of a child screaming, they should record:
a) Frequency
b) Inter-response time
c) Latency
d) Duration
Answer: b) Inter-response time
Explanation: Inter-response time measures the amount of time between instances of the same behavior.
What is a disadvantage of partial interval recording?
a) It underestimates behavior
b) It requires constant observation
c) It overestimates behavior
d) It cannot track duration
Answer: c) It overestimates behavior
Explanation: Partial interval recording marks a behavior as occurring if it happens at any time within the interval, which may lead to overestimation.
What is the first step in conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?
a) Implementing an intervention
b) Defining the behavior in observable terms
c) Removing all reinforcement
d) Conducting a reinforcer assessment
Answer: b) Defining the behavior in observable terms
Explanation: Clearly defining the behavior is the first step in an FBA, ensuring it can be consistently measured.
Which of the following is NOT a direct assessment method?
a) ABC data collection
b) Functional analysis
c) Parent interviews
d) Continuous measurement
Answer: c) Parent interviews
Explanation: Parent interviews are an indirect assessment method, whereas ABC data and functional analysis involve direct observation.
An RBT is conducting an ABC assessment. What does “A” stand for?
a) Analysis
b) Antecedent
c) Assessment
d) Attention
Answer: b) Antecedent
Explanation: “A” in ABC data collection stands for antecedent, which refers to events occurring before a behavior.
A preference assessment is used to:
a) Determine the function of behavior
b) Identify potential reinforcers
c) Eliminate problem behaviors
d) Measure the duration of behavior
Answer: b) Identify potential reinforcers
Explanation: Preference assessments help identify stimuli that can serve as reinforcers for behavior change.
If an RBT observes a child in different settings without intervention to understand behavior patterns, what type of assessment is being conducted?
a) Functional analysis
b) Direct observation
c) Indirect assessment
d) Momentary time sampling
Answer: b) Direct observation
Explanation: Direct observation involves watching and recording behavior in real-life situations.
What is the primary purpose of a reinforcer assessment?
a) To identify problem behaviors
b) To find out which stimuli increase desired behaviors
c) To measure the duration of behavior
d) To eliminate behavior
Answer: b) To find out which stimuli increase desired behaviors
Explanation: A reinforcer assessment determines which items or activities effectively strengthen behavior.
Which of the following is an example of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
a) A therapist teaches colors by repeatedly asking, “What color is this?” and providing reinforcement for correct responses
b) A child learns naturally through play-based interactions
c) A therapist allows a child to initiate learning opportunities
d) A teacher models behavior and waits for imitation
Answer: a) A therapist teaches colors by repeatedly asking, “What color is this?” and providing reinforcement for correct responses
Explanation: DTT is a structured teaching method that breaks skills into small steps with reinforcement.
What is an important component of task analysis?
a) Identifying the function of behavior
b) Breaking a complex skill into smaller steps
c) Eliminating problem behaviors
d) Conducting a preference assessment
Answer: b) Breaking a complex skill into smaller steps
Explanation: Task analysis is used to teach complex skills by breaking them down into manageable steps.
Which of the following is an example of extinction?
a) Providing reinforcement for appropriate behavior
b) Ignoring a tantrum maintained by attention
c) Using punishment to stop a behavior
d) Prompting a child to use replacement behavior
Answer: b) Ignoring a tantrum maintained by attention
Explanation: Extinction involves removing reinforcement for a behavior to decrease its occurrence.
What is an example of Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)?
a) Reinforcing a child for sitting while ignoring running
b) Giving a child a break when they scream
c) Using punishment to decrease aggression
d) Ignoring all behaviors
Answer: a) Reinforcing a child for sitting while ignoring running
Explanation: DRI involves reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior.
If an RBT suspects abuse, they should:
a) Report it immediately to the BCBA and authorities
b) Ignore it
c) Wait until more evidence is gathered
d) Tell another RBT
Answer: a) Report it immediately to the BCBA and authorities
Explanation: RBTs are mandatory reporters and must report suspected abuse immediately.
What should an RBT do if asked to implement an intervention outside of their training?
a) Follow orders
b) Decline and report to their supervisor
c) Create their own intervention
d) Ask another RBT for advice
Answer: b) Decline and report to their supervisor
Explanation: RBTs must work within their training and refer to their supervisor for guidance.
The number of times a behavior occurs within a set time frame is known as:
a) Frequency
b) Duration
c) Rate
d) Latency
Answer: c) Rate
Explanation: Rate is the frequency of a behavior divided by the time observed, making it useful for comparing behaviors over different durations.
What is an advantage of using momentary time sampling?
a) It provides an exact count of behavior
b) It requires continuous observation
c) It allows for periodic observation instead of constant monitoring
d) It underestimates behavior
Answer: c) It allows for periodic observation instead of constant monitoring
Explanation: Momentary time sampling provides an estimate of behavior without requiring full-time observation, making it practical for busy settings.
What type of data recording method is best for behaviors that occur at a high frequency and are difficult to count?
a) Frequency recording
b) Whole interval recording
c) Partial interval recording
d) Duration recording
Answer: b) Whole interval recording
Explanation: Whole interval recording is useful when tracking high-frequency behaviors because it records whether behavior occurs throughout an interval rather than each individual instance.
When collecting ABC data, what does the “C” stand for?
a) Condition
b) Consequence
c) Conduct
d) Circumstance
Answer: b) Consequence
Explanation: In ABC data collection, “C” stands for consequence, which refers to what happens immediately after a behavior.
Which of the following is an example of latency recording?
a) Timing how long it takes for a child to begin a task after being given a direction
b) Counting how many times a student raises their hand
c) Recording whether behavior occurs within a 10-second interval
d) Measuring how long a tantrum lasts
Answer: a) Timing how long it takes for a child to begin a task after being given a direction
Explanation: Latency recording measures the time between an instruction and the start of the behavior.
Which of the following is an example of inter-response time?
a) The time between two instances of hitting behavior
b) The number of times a child screams in a session
c) The duration of a tantrum
d) The time between a prompt and the child’s response
Answer: a) The time between two instances of hitting behavior
Explanation: Inter-response time is the time between occurrences of the same behavior.
Which of the following is NOT a type of preference assessment?
a) Paired-stimulus
b) Multiple-stimulus
c) Forced-choice
d) Functional analysis
Answer: d) Functional analysis
Explanation: A functional analysis determines the cause of behavior, whereas preference assessments identify potential reinforcers.
An RBT conducts a multiple-stimulus preference assessment. This means:
a) The learner selects from two items at a time
b) Several items are presented at once, and selections are noted
c) The learner is required to choose a preferred item before every trial
d) The teacher controls which reinforcers are provided
Answer: b) Several items are presented at once, and selections are noted
Explanation: Multiple-stimulus preference assessments present multiple options and rank selections based on choices.
A descriptive assessment involves:
a) Interviewing caregivers only
b) Observing and recording behavior in the natural environment
c) Manipulating variables to determine function
d) Implementing interventions without prior data
Answer: b) Observing and recording behavior in the natural environment
Explanation: Descriptive assessments involve direct observation of behavior in its natural setting.
What is the primary purpose of ABC data collection?
a) To determine why a behavior is occurring
b) To measure intelligence
c) To eliminate all problem behaviors
d) To implement punishment strategies
Answer: a) To determine why a behavior is occurring
Explanation: ABC data collection helps identify antecedents and consequences that maintain behavior.
When conducting an FBA, which data collection method is most effective for understanding environmental triggers?
a) Direct observation
b) Duration recording
c) Task analysis
d) Functional communication training
Answer: a) Direct observation
Explanation: Direct observation allows practitioners to see behavior in real-world conditions.
A functional analysis involves:
a) Interviews and questionnaires
b) Manipulating antecedents and consequences to determine behavior function
c) Naturalistic observation only
d) Ignoring problem behavior
Answer: b) Manipulating antecedents and consequences to determine behavior function
Explanation: Functional analysis systematically tests different variables to identify why a behavior occurs.
What is a major goal of incidental teaching?
a) To follow a strict teaching structure
b) To promote learning in natural environments
c) To limit reinforcement opportunities
d) To focus only on academic skills
Answer: b) To promote learning in natural environments
Explanation: Incidental teaching encourages learning through naturally occurring situations.
When implementing discrete trial teaching (DTT), reinforcement should be:
a) Given only at the end of a session
b) Provided inconsistently
c) Delivered immediately following correct responses
d) Avoided altogether
Answer: c) Delivered immediately following correct responses
Explanation: Immediate reinforcement strengthens learning and helps increase correct responses.
What is an example of Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)?
a) Reinforcing a child for raising their hand instead of shouting
b) Ignoring all behaviors
c) Reinforcing only high-frequency behaviors
d) Providing reinforcement without a specific behavior requirement
Answer: a) Reinforcing a child for raising their hand instead of shouting
Explanation: DRA reinforces an alternative, appropriate behavior while ignoring problem behavior.
A response cost procedure involves:
a) Removing a preferred item after a problem behavior
b) Ignoring behavior completely
c) Providing reinforcement for all behaviors
d) Increasing the frequency of reinforcement
Answer: a) Removing a preferred item after a problem behavior
Explanation: Response cost is a punishment procedure that removes reinforcement following unwanted behavior.
If an RBT has concerns about a behavior plan, they should:
a) Implement it without question
b) Ignore their concerns
c) Consult with their BCBA supervisor
d) Create a new plan independently
Answer: c) Consult with their BCBA supervisor
Explanation: RBTs must follow ethical guidelines by discussing concerns with their supervising BCBA.
What should an RBT do if a parent asks them to provide services outside their role?
a) Accept to maintain a good relationship
b) Politely decline and refer to the BCBA
c) Agree but avoid documenting it
d) Report it as abuse
Answer: b) Politely decline and refer to the BCBA
Explanation: RBTs must adhere to ethical guidelines and work under BCBA supervision.