Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What behavior defines an individual's performance in the context of an ABAB design study?

1. Persistent changes during treatment

2. Changes that reflect withdrawal effects

3. Variability that highlights treatment efficacy

4. Consistency across baseline phases

The correct answer is: Changes that reflect withdrawal effects

In the context of an ABAB design study, the correct behavior that defines an individual's performance is contingent upon observing changes that reflect withdrawal effects. An ABAB design, also known as a reversal design, involves alternating phases of intervention (B) and baseline (A). When a treatment is administered and then withdrawn, the expectation is to observe changes in behavior that directly correlate with the presence or absence of the treatment. For instance, if a positive outcome occurs during the treatment phase, the withdrawal of the treatment (moving back to the baseline phase) should ideally lead to a reversion to baseline behavior, indicating a withdrawal effect. This reinforces the causative relationship between the treatment and the behavioral changes observed. The other options provide important considerations but do not define performance in the ABAB design as accurately: - Persistent changes during treatment do capture elements of effectiveness, but the primary focus in this design is on how behavior changes with the withdrawal of treatment. - Variability that highlights treatment efficacy can indicate whether the intervention has a noticeable effect, but in this design, it is the consistencies and inconsistencies upon the introduction and withdrawal of the treatment that truly define performance. - Consistency across baseline phases refers to the stability of the behavior when no treatment is applied,