Behavior Analyst Interview Questions & Answers
Introduction
Preparing for a behavior analyst interview requires understanding both the technical aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and how to effectively communicate your expertise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of behavior analysts is projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, making this an excellent career path with strong job security.
Common Behavior Analyst Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Technical Knowledge Questions
1. "Can you explain the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?"
Sample Answer: "Positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to increase behavior, such as providing tokens when a client completes tasks. Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase behavior, such as removing a demanding task when appropriate behavior occurs. Both are effective strategies depending on the client's needs and behavioral goals. In my previous role at [Company], I successfully implemented a positive reinforcement system that increased on-task behavior by 35% for a group of elementary students with autism."
2. "How do you conduct a functional behavior assessment?"
Sample Answer: "A functional behavior assessment involves multiple components: indirect assessments like interviews and rating scales, direct observation of the behavior in various settings, and sometimes functional analysis to test hypotheses about behavior function. I approach FBAs systematically by first defining the target behavior in observable terms, collecting baseline data, identifying antecedents and consequences, developing hypotheses about function, and finally designing appropriate interventions. In my experience with over 20 FBAs, I've found that thorough environmental assessment and collaboration with caregivers significantly improves the accuracy of function identification."
3. "Describe how you would implement discrete trial training."
Sample Answer: "When implementing discrete trial training, I follow a structured approach: present a clear discriminative stimulus, wait for a response, provide appropriate consequences (reinforcement for correct responses or correction procedures for incorrect responses), and introduce an inter-trial interval before the next trial. I ensure trials are brief, clear, and presented at an appropriate pace for the learner. A recent study in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis showed that ensuring a 70-80% success rate during DTT sessions optimizes learning outcomes, which is a guideline I follow when adjusting task difficulty."
Clinical Experience Questions
4. "Tell me about a challenging case you've worked with and how you handled it."
Sample Answer: "I worked with a 10-year-old client with severe aggression who had been through multiple behavior plans without success. After conducting a comprehensive FBA including a detailed scatter plot analysis, I discovered that aggression was maintained by escape from demands but only during specific academic tasks that were too challenging. I implemented a multi-component intervention that included: (1) curriculum modifications to match ability level, (2) a high-probability request sequence before difficult tasks, (3) teaching appropriate request phrases for breaks, and (4) dense reinforcement for task engagement. Over three months, aggressive episodes decreased by 85%, and the client began independently using communication cards to request assistance instead of engaging in problem behavior."
5. "How do you ensure treatment integrity across multiple therapists or settings?"
Sample Answer: "Ensuring treatment integrity is critical for effective outcomes. My approach includes detailed, operationalized protocol documentation, comprehensive initial training including modeling and role-play, regular performance feedback, and periodic fidelity checks with booster training as needed. I also implement data systems that track both client progress and implementation fidelity. Research indicates that interventions implemented with at least 80% fidelity are more likely to be effective, so I establish this as our minimum threshold and provide additional support when therapists fall below this benchmark."
Professional Judgment Questions
6. "When would you recommend moving from a continuous to an intermittent reinforcement schedule?"
Sample Answer: "I transition from continuous to intermittent reinforcement when three conditions are met: (1) the target behavior is occurring consistently under continuous reinforcement, typically at 80% or higher for at least 2-3 weeks; (2) the behavior is occurring across different settings or with different people; and (3) the client has demonstrated maintenance of the behavior during brief natural delays in reinforcement. I use a systematic fading approach, often starting with a fixed ratio schedule before moving to variable schedules. According to recent research, carefully planned transitions to natural reinforcers and schedules can improve maintenance of behavioral gains by up to 40% at 6-month follow-ups."
7. "How do you address ethical concerns in your practice?"
Sample Answer: "I approach ethical practice by strictly adhering to the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code. This includes obtaining informed consent before beginning services, maintaining client confidentiality, using the least restrictive interventions possible, and continuously evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. When ethical dilemmas arise, I consult the code, seek supervision when needed, and document my decision-making process. A survey by the Association for Behavior Analysis International found that regular ethics training reduces ethical violations by 62%, which is why I commit to continuing education in this area and participate in monthly ethics discussions with colleagues."
Parent/Caregiver Collaboration Questions
8. "How do you involve parents in behavior intervention plans?"
Sample Answer: "Parent involvement is crucial for generalization and maintenance of skills. I involve parents at every stage of the intervention process: during assessment by gathering their input on behavior patterns and history, during plan development by incorporating their goals and routines, and during implementation by teaching them relevant techniques and providing ongoing coaching. I use a parent training model that combines didactic instruction, modeling, guided practice, and feedback. Research shows that interventions with strong parent involvement components result in 30-40% better generalization outcomes compared to clinician-only models."
9. "Describe how you would handle a situation where parents disagree with your recommended intervention approach."
Sample Answer: "When parents disagree with recommendations, I first listen carefully to understand their concerns and perspective. I then provide education about the evidence supporting the recommended approach, while acknowledging that their input is valuable and necessary for successful outcomes. I find common ground by identifying shared goals and offering modified approaches that address their concerns while maintaining evidence-based components. If appropriate, I might suggest a time-limited trial of the intervention with clear data collection to evaluate outcomes. A collaborative approach has been shown to increase treatment adherence by up to 70% according to a 2022 study in Behavior Analysis in Practice."
Data Collection and Analysis Questions
10. "What data collection methods do you typically use, and how do you determine which is most appropriate?"
Sample Answer: "I select data collection methods based on the target behavior, intervention goals, and practical considerations. For frequency-based behaviors like tantrums, I typically use event recording. For behaviors with duration components like on-task behavior, I often use momentary time sampling or partial interval recording. For complex skill acquisition, I might use task analysis with chaining data. The dimension of behavior (frequency, duration, latency, intensity) guides my selection, along with considerations like staff resources and the need for real-time decision making. According to a comparative analysis in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, using the wrong measurement system can result in up to a 40% error rate in intervention decision-making, so this selection process is critical."
11. "How do you evaluate whether an intervention is effective?"
Sample Answer: "I evaluate intervention effectiveness through ongoing visual analysis of graphed data, looking for changes in level, trend, and variability compared to baseline. I also calculate effect sizes when appropriate and establish specific mastery criteria at the outset of intervention. Beyond the primary target behavior, I monitor collateral behaviors, generalization, social validity, and maintenance over time. I typically make formative decisions about intervention modifications if we don't see a positive trend after 8-10 data points, rather than continuing an ineffective approach. Recent meta-analyses suggest that interventions showing at least a 50% improvement from baseline within the first month have the best long-term outcomes."
Professional Development Questions
12. "How do you stay current with research and developments in the field?"
Sample Answer: "I maintain a structured approach to professional development that includes monthly review of key journals including JABA, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I participate in ABAI special interest groups relevant to my practice areas, attend at least two professional conferences annually, and complete CEUs that extend beyond minimum requirements. I also participate in a journal club with colleagues where we critically evaluate new research and discuss applications to our clinical work. This systematic approach ensures I'm implementing interventions based on current evidence rather than outdated practices."
13. "What area of behavior analysis are you most interested in developing further expertise in?"
Sample Answer: "I'm particularly interested in developing further expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Training within behavioral frameworks. The integration of ACT principles with traditional ABA has shown promising outcomes for clients with complex needs, particularly in addressing rigid behavior patterns and promoting psychological flexibility. According to a 2023 meta-analysis, interventions that combine traditional behavioral approaches with ACT components show a 27% greater reduction in problem behaviors compared to behavioral interventions alone, particularly for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities."
Scenario-Based Questions
14. "A client's aggressive behavior has suddenly increased after months of reduction. How would you approach this situation?"
Sample Answer: "When faced with behavioral regression, I follow a systematic troubleshooting approach. First, I'd examine potential environmental changes (medication, sleep patterns, illness, family dynamics, staffing changes) through caregiver interviews. Next, I'd conduct direct observations to determine if the function has changed or if there are new antecedents. I'd review implementation data to ensure treatment integrity hasn't declined. Based on this assessment, I might modify the intervention by re-establishing reinforcement schedules, addressing new functions, or adapting to changed circumstances. Research indicates that up to 60% of behavioral regressions are associated with identifiable environmental changes that weren't accounted for in the original intervention."
15. "How would you train a new behavior technician who has no prior experience in ABA?"
Sample Answer: "For new behavior technicians, I implement a comprehensive training program that begins with theoretical foundations of ABA principles and moves to practical application. The training includes: (1) readings and didactic instruction on key principles, (2) video modeling of techniques, (3) role-play practice with feedback, (4) shadowing experienced staff, (5) supervised implementation with gradually decreasing supervision, and (6) ongoing performance feedback. I implement competency checks at each stage before advancing to ensure mastery. Training research indicates that this behavioral skills training approach results in implementation accuracy of 90%+ compared to approximately 50% accuracy with instruction-only training methods."
Conclusion
Preparing for behavior analyst interviews requires demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. The questions above represent common areas employers assess when hiring behavior analysts. By preparing thoughtful, evidence-based responses that highlight your experience and problem-solving abilities, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate in this growing field.