Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

In a changing criterion design, what produces the best demonstration of experimental control?

1. Behavior changes independently of criterion levels

2. Behavior changes concurrently with the criterion level

3. Criterion levels remain constant throughout

4. Behavior remains unchanged when criterion increases

The correct answer is: Behavior changes concurrently with the criterion level

In a changing criterion design, the strength of the experimental control is best demonstrated when behavior changes concurrently with the criterion levels. This design involves systematically changing the criterion for reinforcement or intervention across different phases, and the key to establishing a clear connection between behavior and the changes in criteria is that the behavior should change in direct relation to those criterion levels. When behavior shifts concurrently with the rising or falling criterion levels, it demonstrates that the manipulation of the criteria is effectively influencing the target behavior. This suggests a functional relationship between the treatment and the behavior being measured; as the expectations for performance increase or decrease, the participant's behavior adjusts accordingly. This kind of demonstration indicates robust experimental control and shows that the intervention is having the desired effect. The other options illustrate situations that do not adequately show experimental control. For example, if behavior changes independently of the criterion levels, it becomes difficult to attribute the change directly to the manipulation of the criterion, weakening the demonstration of impact from the intervention. Keeping criterion levels constant does not provide variation necessary for analysis, and if behavior remains unchanged despite increases in criteria, it indicates a lack of effectiveness in the intervention.