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A. Data Collection and Graphing

13 of the 75 scored questions on the RBT exam (17%), across 8 tasks. Each task below has a study page with definitions, worked examples, common mistakes and practice questions.

The 8 tasks

A.1 Continuous measurementContinuous measurement means recording every occurrence of a target behavior for the whole observation period. RBTs use four main continuous procedures: frequency (count), duration, latency and interresponse time. Your supervisor chooses the procedure; your job is to carry it out accurately, every session.32 questions
A.2 Discontinuous measurementDiscontinuous measurement records a sample of behavior instead of every occurrence. The observation is divided into equal intervals, and each interval is scored by a rule: partial interval, whole interval or momentary time sampling. The results are estimates, reported as the percentage of intervals scored, and each procedure has a known pattern of error.32 questions
A.3 Permanent product recordingPermanent product recording measures behavior after it has happened by examining the lasting results it leaves, such as completed worksheets, folded towels or labeled boxes. It frees the RBT from watching every moment and leaves a record that can be counted again, but it only works when the product truly reflects the client's own target behavior.32 questions
A.4 Entering data and updating graphsAfter each session, an RBT transfers the data they recorded into the data system or onto the client's graph, accurately and on time. Supervisors make treatment decisions from these graphs, so a wrong, missing or late entry can lead to a wrong decision.32 questions
A.5 Describing behavior in observable, measurable termsRBTs describe behavior and the surrounding environment in terms that anyone could see, hear, count or time, without guessing at feelings, intentions or causes. Clear descriptions are what make data consistent between observers and session notes useful to the supervisor.32 questions
A.6 Calculating and summarizing dataRaw data from a session, such as tallies, times and plus or minus marks, are turned into summaries the supervisor can compare across sessions: rate, total and mean duration, mean latency, percentages, and measures such as mean, median and range. An RBT needs to calculate these correctly and know what each one does and does not tell you.32 questions
A.7 Identifying trends in graphed dataRBTs look at graphed data and describe what they see in terms of trend, level and variability, then report important changes to the supervisor. The RBT identifies and reports; the supervisor interprets the data and decides what to change.32 questions
A.8 Unreliable data and poor procedural fidelitySupervisors make treatment decisions from the data RBTs collect and assume the plan was carried out as written. If the data are unreliable or the procedures are implemented inconsistently, those decisions can be wrong, and the client pays for it in lost time, slower progress, or continued problem behavior. This task asks you to explain those risks and recognize the everyday habits that create them.33 questions

Practise this content area

257 questions for data collection and graphing in 8 sets: start with Data Collection and Graphing practice set 1. The mock exams show your score in this area alongside the others.