Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Teaching Sally to drop items into the cart when given provides a positive and functional alternative behavior that aligns well with her environment and the expectations of shopping. This option not only teaches her an acceptable way to interact with the items in the store but also reinforces the expectation of participating in a shopping activity in an appropriate manner.

By focusing on this alternative behavior, Sally learns to engage with her environment in a way that is respectful and compliant with social norms. It empowers her to take actions that are rewarded—being allowed to help with the shopping—thus it can enhance her overall shopping experience and help her build self-control and understanding of task completion.

In this context, the other choices might not promote the same level of positive interaction or clarity. Waiting for her dad’s instruction may not actively engage Sally or empower her with a more independent behavior. Putting items on the floor can simply replicate the undesired behavior and does not teach her how to interact appropriately. Asking for permission before touching items, while a positive behavior, might lead to confusion or frustration for her and her dad if it is not clearly reinforced and could limit her engagement in the activity at hand.