Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

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To maximize representativeness in data collection, what approach should be taken in a school setting?

  1. Recordings for specific time slots only

  2. Recordings should be made for one subject per day

  3. Record behavior throughout the entire school day

  4. Data collection should be limited to observations during lunch

The correct answer is: Record behavior throughout the entire school day

Maximizing representativeness in data collection is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of behaviors in a school setting. Recording behavior throughout the entire school day ensures that data captures a wide range of activities, interactions, and contexts in which students might engage. This holistic approach allows for variability in behavior to be observed, accounting for different situations such as classroom settings, recess, transitions between classes, and lunch periods. By observing continuously throughout the day, analysts can identify patterns and contexts that influence behavior, leading to more accurate and actionable insights. This approach significantly reduces the potential for bias that could occur if data were limited to specific time slots or particular subjects. Capturing behavior across different situations and times enables a richer, more nuanced understanding of the student's interactions, skills, and challenges within the school environment. Ultimately, this comprehensive data collection supports better decision-making in interventions and educational strategies.