What is a Probe?
A Probe is a test to see if a client can perform a skill independently without any help. We do this to:
- Check baseline (Before teaching).
- Check mastery (After teaching).
- Check maintenance (Weeks after teaching).
For your RBT practice test, remember: During a probe, you DO NOT PROMPT and you generally DO NOT REINFORCE (or you reinforce only for participation, not accuracy).
How to Run a Probe
1. Present the instruction (SD): "Touch Blue."
2. Wait (3-5 seconds).
3. Record correct/incorrect.
4. Do not help. If they get it wrong, just move on.
If you prompt them ("It's this one"), you are teaching, not probing. A probe must test their independent ability.
Baseline Data
Baseline is the "Before" picture. We probe skills to see where they are starting. If they already know "Touch Blue," we don't need to teach it. We move to "Touch Red."
Frequently Asked Questions About Probing
Can I reinforce during a probe?
Usually no. If you reinforce, you are teaching. Sometimes we provide "non-contingent" praise just for sitting nicely, but not for the answer.
What if they get it wrong?
Mark it as incorrect. Do not correct them. We need to know they don't know it.
What comes after probing?
If the probe shows they don't know it, we start Teaching (using prompts and reinforcement).
Why is maintenance probing important?
To ensure they haven't forgotten the skill (Regression) over time.
Is probing the same as training?
No. Probing is testing. Training is teaching.