Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

What is the MOST appropriate method for measuring the latency of Matthew looking when called?

1. Duration

2. Frequency

3. Latency

4. Rate

The correct answer is: Latency

The most appropriate method for measuring the latency of Matthew looking when called is to use latency as the measurement technique. Latency refers to the time that elapses between the occurrence of a specific stimulus (in this case, being called) and the initiation of the response (Matthew looking). This measurement is critical in assessing how quickly Matthew reacts to being called, providing valuable insights into his responsiveness. In behavior analysis, measuring latency is essential for understanding the promptness of a response, which can be especially important in interventions that aim to enhance engagement or compliance. It allows practitioners to gauge improvements over time, as a decrease in latency can indicate increased responsiveness to the verbal cue. Other methods, such as frequency, duration, or rate, do not capture the essence of latency measurement. Frequency would count how many times the behavior occurs but wouldn’t provide information on how quickly he responds. Duration measures how long a behavior lasts, which isn't relevant for latency. Rate combines frequency and time, but it still does not focus on the response time itself. Thus, measuring latency is the most appropriate method for this scenario, accurately reflecting Matthew's responsiveness when called.