Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

How would you describe the response rate represented in a cumulative record graph?

1. This graph displays a constant increase over time

2. This graph shows a variation in response types

3. This graph indicates levels of responses over multiple sessions

4. This graph does not represent a cumulative record

The correct answer is: This graph does not represent a cumulative record

In a cumulative record graph, the response rate is depicted by the slope of the line—specifically, how steep or flat the line is as time progresses. Each response is added cumulatively, so a steeper slope indicates a higher rate of responding at that time, while a flat line indicates no responses during that time. This means that the graph not only shows levels of responses over time but also allows for a clear visual representation of the response rate. Therefore, the description that aligns with the nature of a cumulative record graph is that it does represent cumulative data. The correct answer must encapsulate how the cumulative nature of the graph serves to illustrate a history of responses rather than implying that it does not represent cumulative data at all.