Beh 5012 unit 5

Settings

Different places, i.e. The classroom, the playroom, outdoor

Jenny the therapist was told not to give Tenn any attention before the treatment was introduced, but she often had to take away the dangerous objects tend like to handle. This best represent what sort of threat to validity? 1) diffusion of treatment 2) history 3) maturation

Diffusion of treatment. Intervention components were added b4 intervention even began.

Single case advantages 1. Dynamic change

Due to its relatively small size it permits investigation of behavior change as a dynamic process. As it evolves.Repeated measurements and strength stability criteria means that you keep observing. Permits you to see patterns of behavior change.

A treatment is implemented to reduce anxiety. Results suggest a decrease in anxiety in the clinic, but levels of anxiety are unchanged at school. Given this information, this treatment last which of the following?

EXTERNAL VALIDITY (i.e. Generalization)

Withdrawal vs reversal

Example of a withdrawal vs reversal design. Withdrawal- baseline is followed by a treatment condition. The intervention used in the treatment condition is the withdrawn and returned to baseline. Baseline and treatment are alternated.

When making a face change it is important that the behavior is already changing in the direction predicted for treatment true or false?

FALSE!!!

When conducting multiple case lines design, minimizing the number of baselines provides more convincing results?

FALSE!!! You want more subjects to make a more convincing arguement that the treatment works.

A-B designs are highly recommended, true or false?

FALSE-but that's all we have for now.

A multiple baseline should be avoided when behaviors that are being evaluated can vary independently?

FALSE....

Unlike traditional single case designs, group designs allow for examination of intra-subject variability....true or false?

FALSE....its single case designs that allow you to see intrasubject variability

One of the disadvantages of multiple baseline design is at the experimenter cannot test methods and interventions before applying them on a larger scale true or false?

False- mind is the opposite. It can be proven effective one case by one case and a case can be built for larger numbers of people.

According to John's baseline data illustrated below additional baseline data is a necessary before testing and intervention true or false?

False-no stability

Reversal designs procedure

Following baseline, the independent variable is introduced, then withdrawn. -This occurs at least once. A-B-A -Introduction and removal of the independent variable is two times may be more common and is preferable A-B-A-B

Which type of experimantal design usually relies on statistical inference to determine what is the inpendant variable affects

Group design

Numbers in SC vs Gp

Group design: large numbers of subjects, few often single observations Single case design: small number of subjects. Multiple repeated observations

Differences btwn single case and group controls

Group design: comparison is made between groups of individuals -i.e. control group vs experimental group Single case design: comparisons made within individual

SC vs G- IV exposure

Group design: each individual often expose the only one level of the IV either baseline or treatment Single case design:each individual exposed to each level of the IV. both baseline and treatment

Data analysis

Group design: usually inferential statistic Single case: visual analysis

IV introduction:

Group: changes in the independent variable assigned according to randomized and matched designs Single case designs: changes in the independent variable are made once the D pendant variable has reached a steady-state. More systematic based on trajectory of the data. Decision is based on aspects of data more specifically targeted.

Don is a used car salesman. An incentive plan is introduced to increase the number of sales that's on bakes. At the start of the intervention, Don inherits $250,000. Done does not increase his sales of the book and the plan is judged as a failure. Which threat to internal validity does this describe? A )diffusion of treatment b) history C) maturation.

History- Don just lost his motivation

When to introduce the phase change:

Ideally phase changes are made when behavior reaches a steady-state defined by 1.Level- behavior is high or low enough that you will be able to detect a change if one occurs. 2.stability -levels of behavior do not vary greatly from one measurement to the next 3.trend-The behavior is not already changing in the direction predicted for treatment

Ethics of reversals

In some cases it may be unethical to reverse treatment

Diffusion of treatment

Inadvertently uncontrolled seepage of the treatment to control conditions or control subjects -Parent gets child to practice new scale before the intervention is formally introduce

During a single case design changes in the _______variable are made once the _________variable is stable

Independent variable, Dependant variable,

Which of the following is not likely to mitigate threats to internal validity? Ie which answer is bad for internal validity? -Collecting objective data. -Conducting continuous measurements of the behavior. -Using independent variables that have immediate effects on the D pendant variable. -inducing unstable responding before the introduction of the IV.

Inducing unstable responding before the introduction of the IV. The other three are very good things for internal validity.

Single case studies

Involve the repeated and systematic presentation and removal of a treatment and measurement of behavior while holding other factors constant. -In behavior analysis valid experimental design and rigorous treatment of valuation are synonymous AKA: within subject design

Systemic manipulation ie. Experimental design

Involves 1. Repeated systematic presentation and removal of an independent variable -Ie. Changes in environmental events 2. SIMULTANEOUSLY measuring changes in the Dependant variable (DV) (or some aspect of the bx of interest.

Internal validity

Is regarded as a priority over External validity. -there has to be control btwn the IV and dv, before the next step-generalization is attempted. - it leads to external validity

Basic goals of single case designs and group designs are the SAME:

Is to rule out possible sources of variability btwn experimental condition and the control condition

Changes maybe produced by natural developmental events that coincide with the introduction of the independent variable. Which threat to internal validity does this describe?

Maturation

Multiple baseline design's may be preferred over other experimental designs when evaluating treatment effects for solving math problems because this design? -Enables one to look at multiple learning deficits. -Allows for the evaluation of math problems with very difficulty. -Provides a useful method when behavior is not reversible- yes!!!!!

#3

Logic of multiple baseline design

-Experimental control is demonstrated by showing that behavior changes when, and only when, the independent variable is introduced to each baseline. -The plausibility of extraneous variables causing the change is highly unlikely under the circumstances.

Reversal limitations, time and order

-May require considerable time because debility required in all phases. Level stability trend -dangers in the comparison of multiple treatments due to sequencing effects. For ex. ABAC or ACAB two different treatments to see which is better and which is better to do first because it will impact the second intervention or outcome so...

Regression

1) changes occurred because baseline measurements were not representative of the natural state of events. 2) Unusual events took place on the initial day of testing which were not in place after intervention (child was sick)so it looks like intervention was effective.

Baseline logic

1. Assessment of the D pendant variable prior to the introduction or change of the independent variable. 2. Does not necessarily imply the absence of treatment

MINIMIZING validity threats

1. Continuous assessment, collecting data on the D pendant measure for an extended period of time. Helps to rule out that changes came about as a function of factors that could have alter performance overtime.

Researchers were scoring Jimmys " correctly read words per week". Shortly after treatment began, Jimmy's eyesight got much worse. Correctly read words did not improve and the treatment was deemed a failure. What sort of threat seems to be involved?

1. Diffusion of treatment 2. Instrumentation 3. Testing 4. Maturation- ANSWER. Over time, his eyesight got worse.

Threats to internal validity: History

1. History...Ie. What if a medical intervention is done at the same time as behavioral intervention. You don't know (or can't isolate) which IV is causing the change in bx.

When are there threats to measurement validity?

1. Measurement is indirect 2. The wrong dimension of the target behavior is measured 3. When measurement is conducted in such a way that the data it produces are an artifact of the actual events (artifact is a product of artificial character).

Advantages of reversal design

1. Most straightforward single case arrangement. 2. Most powerful demonstration of functional relations.

Procedural guidelines for multiple baselines

1. Select independent but functionally similar baselines 2. Select concurrent and plausibly related baselines 3. Intervene on the most stable baseline 4. Vary the length of the multiple baselines significantly

What are the advantages of a multiple baseline

1. When bx is not reversible 2. Does require therapeutic change to demonstrate experimental control 3. Experimenter can empirically evaluate methods and interventions b4 applying on a larger scale.

Functions of baseline data:

1. provides information about the existing extent of the problem. Serves as an indication of whether the intervention is necessary 2.predictive-predicts the future level of the target behavior in the absence of the IV or if the IV has no effect. Serves as a criterion to evaluate whether the intervention produces change 3.sometimes simply observing during baseline provides insight into relevant environmental events that can promote treatment development. I E. For instance if problem behavior occurs more often in the morning rather than the afternoon

How long a baseline?

1.Ethical consideration- how long can we wait to treat the second subject. 2. The longer the baseline, the greater the opportunity for the influence of extraneous variables ie. Diffusion of treatment Practice effects History effects Maturation effects

Which of these is NOT a procedural guidline for multiple baseline design? 1. Intervene on the most stable baseline first 2. Select indep and functionally unrelated baselines 3. Vary the length of the multiple baselines

2 is not a guideline for multiple baseline design

Importance of stability criteria

A quantitative rule for determining if trend is sufficiently stable. No more than 25% deviation in the last three points no trends in any direction in last three points

Definition of withdrawal design (book)

A term used by some authors as a synonym for ABAB design. Also used to describe experiment in which an effective treatment is sequentially or partially withdrawn to promote the maintenance of behavior changes

Single case studies USE

A variety of research designs that use baseline logic to demonstrate the effects of independent variables on the behavior of individual subjects.

A-B-A

A-Baseline phase independent variable is absent. B-Intervention phase independent variable is introduced and remains present A-return to baseline independent variable is withdrawn

Within a multiple baseline design experimental control is demonstrated when? A. Behavior change occurs only when the independent variable is introduced to each baseline B. Behavior change occurs at the same time during each baselines phase

A.Behavior change occurs only when the independent variable is introduced to each baseline

2.intrasubject VARIABILITY

Allows examination of interest subject variability. It's Difficult to detect sources of within subject variability with group data. Single case design is better to explore idiosyncracies, that wouldn't be detectable across large groups bc the data path is not constrained by hypothesis testing. (Or yes or no type findings)

Which of the following is not a variation of the multiple baseline design? Multiple baselines across bxs Across phases Across subjects Across settings

Ans. Across phases

Went 2 or more baselines are established, followed by the staggered introduction of the independent variable to each baseline, this is procedure describes which of the following experimental designs? Referral designs Changing criterion design Multiple baseline design Multi element design

Ans. Multiple baseline design

Reversal design definition, book

Any experimental design in which the researcher attempts to verify the effect of the independent variable by reversing responding to a level obtained in a previous condition. Encompasses experimental designs in which the independent variable is withdrawn. Ie. DRI /DRA

Reversal

As in the withdrawal design, an intervention is applied to the target behavior after a baseline phase. Then instead of withdrawing the intervention, it is applied to another behavior in the next phase- to reverse the effects of the treatment. In the final phase, the intervention is reapplied to the target behavior.

How long should a baseline be for?

As long as necessary and as short as possible.

3. Testing

Changes in the D pendant variable may have come about as a function of repeated exposure to the experimental arrangements Ie. practice effects

Instrumentation

Changes may reflect modifications in the measurement systems rather than the facts of the independent variable. (Less stringent criteria) For example -subjective judgment of human observers Ie. Fatigue over time -poor integrity of treatment delivery, damaged or new equipment, poor calibration of measurement devices.

Measurements

Continuous assessment -collecting data on the Dependant measure for an extended period of time. Poorly designed measurement systems that are difficult to use

Accuracy

Refers to the extent to which the observed value, the quantitative label produced by measuring and event, matches the truth state or true value of the event as it exist in nature. Measurement is accurate to the degree that it corresponds to the true value of the thing being measured.

Reliability

The extent to which a measurement procedure yields the same value when brought into repeated contact with the same state of nature. Reliable measurement is consistent measurement. The closer the values obtained by repeated measurement of the same event are to one another, the greater the reliability. Conversely the more observed values from repeated measurements are of the same event differ from one another the less the reliability.

External validity

The extent to which a study's results are generalizable to other subjects, settings or behaviors. Ie. Generalization

Internal validity

The extent to which an analysis ASSURES that measured changes in behavior are due to the manipulation and not due to uncontrolled extraneous variable. Ie. Is the manipulation causing a difference in bx and not something else.

How many baselines are needed? What's the number?

The larger the number, the more convincing Using only 2 baselines in a multiple baseline design can be risky. - if one doesn't change, the conclusions are risky. -If 3+ are used and one does not change, still a reasonable demonstration of experimental control and (the failure is likely to be the outlier).

If behavior changes systematically as a function of the introduction and with drawl of the independent variable

The likelihood is small that some EXTRANEOUS variable produced the behavior change. -This likelihood decreases with each subsequent withdrawl and introduction of the independent variable. -Prediction verification and replication Check chart

Attrition

The loss of subjects overtime, especially if systematic, may influence the effects. Ie.subjects that tended toward the extreme ends of the measure may leave selectively, thereby skewing the sample at post test.

Experimental design

The particular type and sequence of conditions in a study so that meaningful comparisons of the effects of the presence and absence (or different values of the independent variable) can be made

Functional relation

When changes in an antecedent or consequence stimulus class CONSISTENTLY alter a dimension of a response class. -quantitative direct observation of behavior under systematically manipulated and controlled conditions.

Stable:

When the trend is neither going up nor down. Just flat line.

Reversal designs- what is the baseline??

Which phase is first? Does the analysis always start with the absence of the independent variable? Answer-if intervention is immediately critical, analysis may begin with an intervention phase. Begin with intervention does not alter the logic of the design.

True value

true value is a measure obtained by the procedures that are independent of a difference from the procedures that produce the data being evaluated and for which researchers have taken special or extraordinary precautions to ensure that all possible sources of error have been avoided or removed. I.e. Internal validity

Common A-B design

Baseline phase is followed by a treatment phase. Effect is demonstrated when behavior changes from one phase to the next

It is important to consider the level of the behavior when deciding to make a phase change because?

Behavior must be high or low enough so change can be detected

Limitations:

By itself, AB design support only weak conclusions. Changes in behavior may be the result of extraneous variables. However AB designs form the basis of all common single case designs

Behaviors

Maybe increasing skills such as reading, then excercise, then self care skills.

Validity

Measurement has validity when it yields data that are directly relevant to the phenomenon measured and to the reasons for measuring it. In ABA, validity is 1. Measuring directly a socially significant behavior 2. Measuring a dimension of the target behavior relevant to the question or concern about the behavior. 3.ensuring that the data are representative of the behaviors are current under conditions and during times that are most relevant to the question or concern about the behavior.

Validity Accuracy Reliability

Measurement that is valid must have validity, accuracy and reliability.

What is the PHASE CHANGE in baseline logic

Movement in the analysis from one level are kind of independent variable to the next level are kind of independent variable Phase changes move the analysis towards an AB design.

Went to treatment designed to increase appropriate communication skills is conducted at home and then later at school this is an example of which of the following

Multiple baseline across settings

2nd threat- maturation

Natural development event or learning experiences may coincide with the introduction of the independent variable to produce change. I.e. growing older and stronger healthier

Across subjects

Persons

Multiple baseline design:

Two or more independent baselines that are established. The independent variable is then separately introduced in a staggered fashion to eat baseline. When behavior is stable for the first baseline, the independent variable is introduced on the second baseline and so on.

Which type of design is usually being employed if it individual is exposed to each level of the treatment both baseline and treatment

Single case design

Which design lends itself better to exploration of idiosyncratic affects?

Single case designs

Accountability

Single group designs lend themselves well to clinical investigation and treatment accountability because participants are their own controls. They are being compared to their own behavior before intervention

Other names for single case designs

Single subject Within subject Intrastate the Small n design

Reversibility limitations

Some behavior changes are not reversible. Intervention for produces a fax that are impossible to withdraw such as skill acquisition. Behavior after initial changes, makes contact with other variables that make reversal unlikely even if intervention is withdrawn

Jim's teacher is using reinforcement to speed up his reading. In doing so, she asked Jen to read the same passage over and over. When reinforcement is introduced, there is no effect. Which sort of threat seems most applicable? -Diffusion of treatment -history -testing -maturation

TESTING- the kid practiced b4 intervention was brought in.

The following is a simple definition of internal validity "the extent to which an experiment rules out alternative explanations of the results" true or false

TRUE

Selection bias

The assignment of subjects to groups may have biased the outcome even in the absence of any intervention. For example participants for various reasons are more prone to show greater improvement may also be more likely to participate in a study.

3 types of baseline 1. Multiple baselines across subjects 2. Multiple baselines across behaviors 3. Multiple baselines across settings

Types of baselines

Levels of behavior that very greatly from one measurement. To the next are said to be ?

Unstable

Use reversal designs if

The target behavior is reversible with drawl of the intervention is not a concern stability order time is not a concern (time is abundant)

Avoid set numbers

To begin, gather baseline data for at least 3 sessions at a minimum to spot a trend. 3 is a small trend.

Main goal of systematic experimental manipulation are

To demonstrate a functional relation between the IV and the Dv