Chapter 7: Analyzing Behavior Change

True/False: Baseline data collection is important because it results in a certain level of needed subjectivity.

(F)

True/False:Single-case research designs always involve only a single participant.

(F)

True/False:All experiments in ABA include at least one behavior and at least one treatment or intervention condition.

(T)

True/False:Nothing is gained by collecting unduly long baselines of behavior that cannot reasonably be expected to be in a subject's repertoire.

(T)

True/False:The terms within-subject design and intra-subject design are both terms used to describe single-subject experimental designs.

(T)

Internal Validity

*A experiment has a high degree of ______ __________ when it shows convincingly that changes in behavior, or function of the independent variable are not the result of unknown variables.

An applied analysis of behavior requires that the target behavior be a _____ of an environmental event that can be practically and ethically manipulated.

*A function of an environmental event. Definition: An environmental event is the effect that behavior has on the environment, reasons for that behavior and why the behavior is occurring.

Experimental Control

*Experimental control is the highest level of scientific understanding. Experimental control can be defined as a predictable change in behavior that can be reliably reproduced by the systematic manipulation of some aspect of the person's environment.

The science of behavior contributes to useful technology of behavior change to the extent that it discovers functional relations with _________ across individuals.

*Generality. Definition: Generality is the quality of being general or widespread or having general applicability.

Systematic Observation

*Systematic observation enhances the understanding of natural phenomenon by making scientists accurately describe data. Systematic observation can be defined as: a method of research in which behavior is systematically observed and recorded

Name two defining features of behavior

1) Behavior is an individual phenomenon and 2) behavior is a continuous phenomenon. Behavior changes over time and requires continuous measurement over time. Behavior analysis is the focus of an individual, not a group!

Name two assumptions of behavior.

1) behavior is determined. It has causes or sources. 2) The behavior source is extrinsic to the organism. Therefore the source of behavioral variability is extrinsic or environmental (for example, A teacher's proximity (IV) to an individual student may increase student on-task behavior (DV)?

What is a Confounding Variable

A confounding variable is a factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect on the experiment. (an extraneous factor that interferes with the action of the independent variable on the dependent variable)

A "Parametric" study seeks

A parametric study seeks to discover the effects of a range of values on the independent variable and dependent variable of interest. To investigate the sensitivity of the solution to the parameters.

What is an Experimental Design?

An Experimental design is the arrangement of conditions in a study so that meaningful comparisons of the effects of the independent variable can be made (cause and effect relationship can be established).

What is an "Experimental Question?"

An experimental question is a brief but specific statement, which deals with how the IV will affect the DV, and indicates what the researcher wants to learn from conducting the experiment.

What is an "Extraneous Variable."

An extraneous variable is any variable other than the independent variable that seem likely to influence the dependent variable in a specific study.

Dependent Variable or Independent Variable: The effects of study cards on the rate of homework completion.

Dependent Variable. The study cards change results on the test.

Dependent Variable or Independent Variable: Number of words spelled correctly following a spelling quiz review.

Dependent Variable: that which is measured and changes due to manipulations in the independent variable.

Dependent Variable or Independent Variable:Use of an electronic signal device during classroom instruction increases the number of praise statements made by teacher.

Dependent Variable: the signal prompts praise and praise is increased. The amount of praise is being measured so it is the independent variable.

A well planned scientific investigation begins with an ___________.

Experimental question

Unplanned environmental variations which may impact the experimenters demonstration of experimental control are called ____________

Extraneous variables

___________ are demonstrated when observed variations in behavior and can be attributed to manipulations of the independent variable.

Functional relations

Define "Functional Relations."

Functional relations exist when a well-controlled experiment reveals that a specific change in one event (the dependent variable) can reliably be produced by specific manipulations of another event (the independent variable) and that the change in the dependent variable was unlikely to be the result of other extraneous factors (confounding variables).

Dependent Variable or Independent Variable:The effects of token reinforcement plus praise treatment package on student hand raising.

Independent Variable: an independent variable is manipulated or changed. In ABA the environmental event or whose presence or absence is manipulated to determine its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable or Independent Variable:A self-management intervention increases students' task engagement.

Independent Variable: the intervention stands alone, the engagement in task is what is being measured.

A student's changing level of interest and background knowledge in algebra, during a study on the effects of response card quiz reviews on next day quiz performance is a ________________ to the investigation and should be monitored.

Potential Confounding Variable