What is data-based decision making?

• A. Waiting for a certain number of sessions before deciding.
• B. Relying on supervisor's opinions only.
• C. Proceeding with the current plan regardless of data.
• D. Using collected data to decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate an intervention.

Answer: (D)

Data-based decision making means using objective data collected during ongoing sessions to guide choices about an intervention—whether to continue as is, modify it, or terminate it. This involves systematic data collection on the target behavior or skill, examining trends and levels over time, and applying those findings to decisions about effectiveness, appropriateness, and progress toward goals. When the data show clear improvement or mastery, you continue and may gradually fade supports; when data show little or no change or worsening, you adjust the plan; when data demonstrate sustained improvement and maintenance, you may terminate or shift to a less intensive approach. This approach keeps decisions grounded in observable change rather than guesswork or opinions.

Other approaches—waiting for a set number of sessions, relying only on supervisor opinions, or proceeding regardless of data—do not ensure the intervention is actually working for the client. Data-based decisions help ensure the intervention is effective, efficient, and ethically appropriate by basing changes on what the client is actually showing, not on assumptions or arbitrary timelines.