RBT Exam Study Guide: Measurement

This study guide covers the measurement section of the RBT Task List, providing an overview of how to measure behaviors in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Importance of Measurement in ABA

• Essential for determining progress in learners.
• RBTs record data on behaviors and skills during sessions.
• Behavior analysts use this data for data-based decision-making.

RBT Task A-1: Prepare for Data Collection

• Record data each session.
• Review session goals and identify needed materials:
  • Paper data sheets and pen
  • Electronic data system
  • Timer for duration, interresponse time, or response latency
  • Clicker for counting behaviors
• Tip: Keep materials accessible for quick transitions between locations.

RBT Task A-2: Implement Continuous Measurement Procedures

• Continuous measurement involves recording every occurrence of a target behavior.
• Types of Continuous Measurement:
  1. Count: Simple tally of occurrences (e.g., Patrick punched his brother 3 times).
  2. Frequency/Rate: Number of occurrences over time (e.g., Dahlia bit her hand 6 times per hour).
  3. Response Latency: Time from instruction to behavior onset (e.g., taking 3 minutes to sit for dinner).
  4. Interresponse Time (IRT): Time between consecutive responses (e.g., 6 minutes between spinning occurrences).
  5. Duration: Total time a behavior occurs (e.g., reading for 22 minutes).

RBT Task A-3: Implement Discontinuous Measurement Procedures

• Measures some, not all, occurrences of behavior.
• Types of Discontinuous Measurement:
  1. Whole Interval Recording: Did behavior occur the entire interval? (e.g., spitting for full 2 minutes).
  2. Partial Interval Recording: Did behavior occur at all during the interval? (e.g., head-banging self-injurious behavior).
  3. Momentary Time Sampling: Is behavior occurring at the end of the interval? (e.g., attention during independent work).

RBT Task A-4: Implement Permanent-Product Recording Procedures

• Indirectly measure behavior based on the outcome (e.g., homework completion).

RBT Task A-5: Enter Data and Update Graphs

• Data is charted on graphs for analysis.
• Line graphs are commonly used with:
  • X-axis: Date/session number
  • Y-axis: Measure of behavior

RBT Task A-6: Describe Behavior and Environment in Observable and Measurable Terms

• Focus only on observable and measurable actions (e.g., running instead of being hyper).
• Use the Dead Man's Test to assess if something is a behavior.

Review Quiz

• Example question: Which is not a preparation step for data collection?

Additional Notes

• Privacy and data collection policies are highlighted at the end of the guide.