Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which term refers to the time span between the start of a stimulus and the subject's response?

1. Response Time

2. Latency

3. Response Duration

4. Interresponse Time

The correct answer is: Latency

The correct answer is latency, which refers specifically to the time interval between the onset of a stimulus and the subsequent response from the subject. This concept is critical in behavior analysis as it helps measure how quickly a subject responds to a given prompt or event, which can provide insights into their processing speed and engagement level. Understanding latency is important for practitioners working with individuals to assess their reactions and patterns in behavior. It can also aid in determining the effectiveness of interventions, as changes in latency can indicate shifts in behavior over time. In contrast, response time typically refers to the overall amount of time taken, including both the latency and the response duration. This makes it less precise for measuring just the interval before a response is initiated. Response duration measures how long a behavior lasts once it begins, while interresponse time focuses on the amount of time between consecutive responses, neither of which directly addresses the interval from stimulus presentation to the start of the response.