Jack is a new client who has a difficult time attending to instructions. Sarah is an RBT who was assigned to collect baseline data on Jack's ability to identify letters. Jack was not making eye contact with Sarah or the letters and appeared to be humming a song. Then, Sarah presents the instruction, "Find the letter A." Jack continues to avoid eye contact and continues humming the song. He made no response to Sarah's instruction. Therefore, Sarah marks a "-" on the data sheet, indicating an incorrect response.<br/><br/>What is wrong with collecting baseline data in this manner?
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A【1】Sarah should have marked a "+" on the data sheet, indicating a correct response
B【0】Sarah should have provided a gestural prompt by pointing to the letter A
C【2】Sarah should ensure that she has Jack's attention prior to giving the instruction and collecting data
D【3】Sarah should deliver a reprimand to stop Jack's humming
✓ Correct answer: C. 【2】Sarah should ensure that she has Jack's attention prior to giving the instruction and collecting dataData should only be collected if the client is attending to the instruction - this applies to both baseline and treatment data collection. If the client is not attending, Sarah should not collect data and attempt to gain Jack's attention first (e.g., preference assessment, Premack principle, behavioral momentum, choice, etc.). Reprimands should be avoided since they may function as positive punishers; in ABA, we avoid punishment unless reinforcement has been ruled out or the behavior is severe or dangerous. Additionally, since she is collecting baseline data, prompts should not be delivered. A gestural prompt would not be appropriate until after baseline data are collected.
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