RBT Outline: Unit 2 Assessment: Understanding Behavior Before You Intervene

This chapter explains unit 2 of RBT outline (syllabus for registered behavior technician). It contains a small quiz regarding this chapter at the end of this page. For aspirants, our team has prepared best RBT practice exams, 6 in total, out of which 5 are already uploaded, and one will be published soon for aspirants so they can prepare well.

If you have not studied RBT outline unit 1 (Measurement), read it via clicking HERE.

What Does Assessment Entail In ABA?

It is essential to understand behavior before changing it. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), assessment involves collecting real data to grasp the reasons behind a behavior. You watch the individual, inquire about important topics, and examine actions in various contexts. Plans can fall short without evaluation. It assists in uncovering the reason and directs improved choices.

Types of Assessments in ABA

ABA uses many assessments to understand the human mind before treatment. Each assessment provides a different perspective. Some are straightforward, while others are more comprehensive. Together, they create a clear picture. The data collection process utilized by RBTs is explained below in detail.

1. Indirect Assessments

Indirect assessments collect behavior information without watching the behavior happen in real-time. Instead, we gather second-hand information based on what others remember, observe, or feel. It’s a fast way to get a broad idea of what’s going on.

Common Indirect Tools:

• Interviews: Talking with caregivers, teachers, or staffs who know the client well.
• Behavior Rating Scales: Standardized forms like the QABF (Questions about Behavioral Function) or FAST (Functional Analysis Screening Tool).
• Questionnaires: Written checklists asking about behaviors, triggers, or reactions.

Strengths:

• Quick to complete. It can be completed quickly in one session.
• Doesn’t require formal training to administer.
• Gives a starting point for understanding the client’s behavioral history.

Limitations:                        

• It is based on memory, which is often flawed.
• Risk of bias, caregivers may exaggerate or downplay behaviors.
• Doesn’t capture real-time context, only what others think happened.

RBT’s Role:

As an RBT, you might help a BCBA by reading questions to parents or helping them fill out a form. You should not interpret or diagnose based on this data. Your job is to support the process, not lead it.

2. Descriptive (Direct) Assessments

This is a hands-on observation. You watch the client in natural settings and write down exactly what happens. 

Methods Include:

• ABC Data Recording: Write down the Antecedent (what happened before), Behavior (what was done), and Consequence (what happened after).
• Scatterplot Recording: Track behavior by time and location to find patterns. For example, you might see aggression spikes every afternoon around snack time.
• Frequency Tracking: Count how often a behavior occurs.
• Latency Tracking: Measure how long it takes for a client to respond to a direction.
• Duration Tracking: Record how long a behavior lasts from start to end.

Real-World Example (ABC):

• Antecedent: Mom says, “It’s time for homework.”
• Behavior: The Child throws the pencil.
• Consequence: Mom removes the worksheet.

This repeated pattern might suggest the child is trying to escape tasks.

RBT’s Role:

You’re essential here. RBTs are the main data collectors during descriptive assessments. You observe closely, document clearly, and follow the BCBA’s data collection methods. You must avoid assumptions and only write what you see.

3. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

An FBA is the full process of figuring out why a behavior happens. It combines multiple tools to find the function behind problem behavior, what the person is trying to get or avoid. Think of it like a full investigation. It includes three major parts:

Components of an FBA:

1. Indirect Assessment: Interviews, rating scales, or questionnaires.
2. Descriptive Assessment: Real-time observations using ABCs, frequency counts, etc.
3. Functional Analysis (optional): More formal testing (explained below).

FBAs help BCBAs decide which behavior plans to use. Every strong behavior plan starts with a solid FBA.

RBT’s Role:

As an RBT, your job is to assist, not analyze. You’ll likely be asked to:

• Collect data every session, consistently.
• Use observation tools like ABC forms or scatterplots.
• Report any unusual patterns or changes to the BCBA.

Important: You never decide the behavior function. That is your supervisor’s role.

4. Functional Analysis (FA)

A Functional Analysis is a scientific test done in a controlled setting. It involves intentionally changing the environment to see which trigger causes the behavior. This is the most accurate way to confirm the behavior’s function. A BCBA usually leads the FA, but RBTs help with setup, observations, and safety.

Common FA Conditions:

1. Attention: Client is ignored → behavior happens → staff gives attention. If behavior increases here, attention is likely the function.
2. Escape: Client is given a task → behavior happens → task is removed. If behavior increases, they may want to avoid work.
3. Alone (Automatic): Client is alone → behavior still happens with no one around. This may mean it feels good or is self-stimulatory.
4. Control (Play): No demands, lots of attention, access to items → behavior should be low. Used to compare with the other conditions.

RBT’s Role:

During an FA, your job is to support, not lead:

• Help manage materials or timers.
• Collect real-time data.
• Ensure client safety.
• Stay neutral, don’t react emotionally to behavior.

FA sessions must follow safety rules and ethical standards. You must never run them alone.

Common Functions of Behavior

Understanding why a behavior occurs is key. Most behaviors fall under one or more of these:

1. Escape: Trying to avoid or get away from something
2. Attention: Seeking social reactions from others
3. Access to Tangibles: Wanting a specific object or activity
4. Automatic/Sensory: Behavior feels good internally, no outside reward needed

As an RBT, knowing these helps you collect data better and respond more effectively.

Your Role as an RBT During Assessment

As an RBT, you don’t design assessments. But you do help carry them out. You become the eyes and ears in real-time.

Your Key Tasks:

• Use ABC data sheets properly
• Record behavior with clear, objective language
• Track how often and when behavior happens
• Help with preference assessments
• Follow protocols during trial-based testing
• Report observations to your BCBA

Always report what happened, not what you think happened. No guesses. No opinions. Just facts.

What Are Preference Assessments?

Before teaching anything, you need to know what motivates the person. Preference assessments help figure out which items or activities the client likes most.

Types of Preference Assessments:

• Free Operant: Let the person explore items freely. See what they choose and for how long.
• Single Stimulus: Show one item at a time and record the response.
• Paired Choice: Present two items, ask the client to pick one. Do this several times with different combos.
• Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO): Present a group of items. Once they pick one, remove it and repeat.

Why It Matters:

Reinforcers drive learning. You cannot teach without motivation. Knowing a child loves bubbles helps you reward behavior that leads to learning.

Ethical Considerations in Assessment

Assessments can affect real lives. So they must be ethical and fair.

As an RBT:

• Follow BCBA guidance at all times
• Never make assumptions
• Stay objective
• Respect the client’s dignity and privacy
• Never use harmful reinforcers or punishments
• Report any concerns to your supervisor

Every piece of data you record matters. Be careful. Be honest. Be respectful.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say a student throws their pencil during math. You run an ABC assessment.

1. A Math worksheet was handed out
2. Pencil thrown
3. The Teacher removes the worksheet

Why Assessment Comes First

Assessment is the starting line of every behavior plan. You don’t jump into treatment. You first figure out what’s happening, why it happens, and what the person needs.

As an RBT, you may not lead assessments, but your role is essential. You help gather clear data that drives everything else. Your accuracy, attention to detail, and honesty make the team stronger and make outcomes better for your clients.