Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What does 'latency' measure in behavioral analysis?

1. Amount of time in which the behavior occurs

2. Time between two responses

3. Time before a response occurs

4. Frequency of behavior occurrences

The correct answer is: Time before a response occurs

Latency is a critical measure in behavioral analysis that reflects the time interval between a prompt, stimulus, or cue, and the initiation of the response or behavior by the individual. This concept provides insight into the speed of responding and can indicate factors such as motivation, processing time, or possible delays in responding to instructions. By measuring latency, practitioners can assess an individual's ability to respond promptly, which is essential for evaluating progress and adjusting interventions accordingly. The other options, while related to aspects of behavior measurement, do not accurately define latency. The first option focuses on the total duration of the behavior occurring, which is a different measurement known as duration. The second option relates to the time between two responses, more aligned with inter-response time. The last option describes frequency, which counts how often a behavior occurs rather than how long it takes to start after a stimulus.