BCBA Plan

Experimental Design: practice questions

2 original questions · 2 editor-approved · every choice explained.

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Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

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Experimental DesignDifficulty 2/5

A behavior analyst has taught a client to tie their shoes and wants to demonstrate experimental control. Why is a reversal design inappropriate?

  1. AReversal designs cannot be used with children because withdrawal is always unethical
  2. BThe behavior must be dangerous before a reversal design can be justified
  3. CReversal designs require at least three participants to replicate the effect
  4. DThe skill is irreversible, so withdrawing teaching will not return responding to baseline
Show answer and rationale

Correct: D. Reversal logic depends on behavior returning to baseline levels when treatment is withdrawn. Acquired skills do not reverse, so verification is impossible. A multiple baseline across behaviors or participants is the appropriate alternative.

  • C — Reversal designs are within-subject and need only one participant.
  • A — Age is not the constraint.
  • B — Danger is a reason to avoid reversal, not a requirement for it.
Experimental DesignDifficulty 3/5

Which condition is required for a multiple baseline across behaviors to demonstrate experimental control?

  1. AThe behaviors must be functionally independent
  2. BThe behaviors must belong to the same response class
  3. CAll tiers must begin intervention simultaneously
  4. DBaselines must be equal in length
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. If behaviors are functionally related, intervening on one changes the others and the untreated baselines no longer serve as controls. Tiers must start intervention in a staggered fashion, and baseline lengths are intentionally unequal.

  • B — Same response class means covariation, which destroys the design logic.
  • C — Simultaneous introduction removes the staggered comparison.
  • D — Unequal baseline lengths are what create the staggered demonstration.

Primary references

  1. BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.), in effect since 2025 — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22