Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

What should be considered a key focus when determining the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention?

1. Frequency of reinforcement

2. Consistency of application

3. Generalization of skills

4. Reduction of undesired behaviors

The correct answer is: Generalization of skills

When determining the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention, the generalization of skills is crucial. This concept refers to the ability of an individual to transfer learned behaviors and skills to different contexts, environments, or situations outside of the training setting. For an intervention to be deemed effective, it should not only produce desired changes in behavior in controlled settings but also ensure that the individual can use those behaviors in real-world scenarios. This aspect demonstrates that the intervention has successfully led to long-lasting and meaningful behavior changes that are not limited to specific circumstances. Looking at the other options, while frequency of reinforcement, consistency of application, and reduction of undesired behaviors all play important roles in implementing interventions, they do not fully capture the broader goal of making sure that skills and behaviors are maintained and used across various situations. Generalization is ultimately what ensures that the intervention has a real-world impact, benefiting the individual's overall functioning and quality of life.