Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

When setting criteria for behavior change, what should behavior analysts develop prior to implementing an intervention?

1. Success criteria based on peer review

2. Specific outcome criteria for the behavior

3. A comprehensive assessment plan

4. Long-term behavior goals

The correct answer is: Specific outcome criteria for the behavior

In the process of setting criteria for behavior change, it is essential for behavior analysts to establish specific outcome criteria for the behavior prior to implementing an intervention. This focus on specific outcome criteria ensures that the goals are measurable and clearly defined, which allows for the accurate assessment of progress and effectiveness of the intervention. Having these specific criteria helps in identifying what constitutes a successful outcome, thereby guiding the implementation of strategies and enabling data collection. Moreover, having specific outcome criteria ensures that all stakeholders involved understand the objectives of the intervention, facilitating collaboration and clarity throughout the process. These criteria also help in making necessary adjustments during the intervention by providing clear benchmarks against which to measure progress, ultimately supporting the overarching aim of improving the target behavior in a structured and effective manner. While the other choices involve important aspects of behavior analysis, such as assessment and goal-setting, they do not emphasize the importance of having specific and measurable outcome criteria immediately before implementing an intervention.