BCBA Foundations of Behavior Analysis Practice Questions - Free Mock Test 2025
Master BCBA Foundations of Behavior Analysis with 5 free practice questions. Comprehensive mock test with detailed explanations and study resources.
Build a solid foundation for your BCBA exam success with our comprehensive Foundations of Behavior Analysis practice test. This domain forms the theoretical backbone of behavior analysis and is essential for understanding all other BCBA content areas.
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About Foundations of Behavior Analysis Domain
The Foundations domain typically represents 20-25% of BCBA exam questions and covers the philosophical, conceptual, and scientific foundations of behavior analysis. This domain is crucial as it underlies all applied behavior analytic practices.
Key Topics Covered:
- Philosophical foundations of behavior analysis
- Basic principles of behavior (reinforcement, punishment, extinction)
- Stimulus control and discrimination training
- Motivating operations and establishing operations
- Schedules of reinforcement
- Verbal behavior and Skinner's analysis
- Respondent conditioning principles
- Derived stimulus relations and equivalence
Free Mock Test - Foundations Practice Questions
📝 Sample Practice Questions
Here are 5 authentic BCBA Foundations of Behavior Analysis questions from our question bank:
Question 1
A behavior analyst is evaluating a child's aggressive behavior in a school setting. She observes that the aggression occurs most frequently when the child is asked to complete a difficult task. Which principle best explains the relationship between the task demand and the aggressive behavior?
A) Extinction
B) Avoidance
C) Negative reinforcement
D) Positive reinforcement
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) Negative reinforcement
Explanation: Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior increases because it results in the removal or avoidance of an aversive condition. In this scenario, the child's aggression likely functions to escape or avoid the difficult task.
Question 2
A behavior analyst is conducting a preference assessment for a non-verbal client. Which method would most accurately identify the client's preferred items?
A) Ask the client's parents for a list of preferred items
B) Conduct a free operant observation
C) Use a single stimulus presentation
D) Implement a paired stimulus preference assessment
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Implement a paired stimulus preference assessment
Explanation: A paired stimulus preference assessment is systematic and provides a clear ranking of preferences. Parent reports may not accurately reflect current preferences, and single stimulus presentations don't allow for comparison between items.
Question 3
A behavior analyst is designing an intervention to increase a student's on-task behavior. The student receives a sticker for every 10 minutes of on-task behavior. What type of reinforcement schedule is being used?
A) Fixed ratio
B) Variable ratio
C) Fixed interval
D) Variable interval
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) Fixed interval
Explanation: A fixed interval schedule provides reinforcement after a set amount of time, in this case, every 10 minutes. Fixed ratio is based on responses, not time, while variable schedules involve changing intervals or ratios.
Question 4
A BCBA is conducting a risk-benefit analysis for a new behavior intervention. Which factor should be considered as a potential risk in the analysis?
A) The intervention's potential to reduce challenging behavior
B) The intervention's alignment with client preferences
C) The possibility of the intervention being implemented inconsistently
D) The cost-effectiveness of the intervention
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) The possibility of the intervention being implemented inconsistently
Explanation: Inconsistent implementation is a risk as it can affect the intervention's effectiveness. Reducing challenging behavior and alignment with preferences are benefits, not risks.
Question 5
A behavior analyst is reviewing data collected by an RBT on a client's progress. The data shows inconsistent trends. What is the most appropriate next step for the behavior analyst?
A) Analyze the data collection methods for potential errors
B) Continue the current intervention and monitor for changes
C) Immediately change the intervention strategy
D) Discontinue data collection until trends stabilize
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) Analyze the data collection methods for potential errors
Explanation: Analyzing data collection methods helps identify potential errors that could explain inconsistencies before making changes. Continuing without understanding the cause may overlook errors, and changing strategies without understanding data may lead to inappropriate interventions.
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