4- displaying and interpreting behavioral data Flashcards
Dimensionless quantities
Partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sample
A systematic form of data examination, characterized by visual inspection of graphical displays of those data
Visual data analysis
1 embedded in text
2 summary form, usually as a structured data table, numerical representation
- graphical form (A visual representation of data)
Types of data display
Equal interval line graph
Cumulative records
Bar graph
Semilogarithmic graphs
Graphic displays used in ABA
Based on a “Cartesian” plane, a two dimensional area formed by the intersection of two perpendicular lines (One vertical, one horizontal)
They form a + shape
Invented by Renee Descartes
Equal interval line graph
Any point within the plane of the chart represents a specific relationship between the two variables (Dimensions) Measured along each of the axis lines
AKA Equal-Interval line graph
Simple line graph
Most commonly use format for charting ABA data
Used to evaluate treatment effectiveness
Used in functional analysis
Common uses of line graphs
The horizontal X – axis The vertical Y – axis Data points The data path Condition and condition phase change line Condition and phase change labels Figure legend
Parts of an equal interval line graph
X – axis
The abscissa
Represents the passage of time
Horizontal axis
Data analysis animates the discipline of ABA the way the nervous system animates
The human body
In APA, it allows for the evaluation of the effects on behavior, I’ve experimental or clinical manipulation.
Typically, these data are presented as repeated measures overtime
Visual analysis
- Taking an overview of an entire data display, noting it’s general characteristics such as a type of display, range and continuity of each axis, specific variables under consideration, and,
- Specific data inspection and analysis such as evaluating Trends, level, and variability of data, both within and across phases.
Visual analysis: The process
- Was very meaningful change in behavior?
2. To what extent can the change be attributable to a specific environmental change
Visual analysis; the purpose
Termed criterion by inspection
Cornerstone of behavior analytic research and practice
Visual analysis
Ryan engage in an average of to ask of flipping furniture for six hour school day, over the course Of the ten-day baseline face. The range was between zero and four per day. During the 15 days of the first intervention phase, Ryan engaged in…
Example of data in text
A.k.a. chart, is a relatively simple visual format for displaying data
Provides visual representations of relationships between a series of measurements and relevant variables
Device used for organizing summarizing interpreting and communicating the results of ABA
Graphs
Provides immediate access to an ongoing visual record of behavior and that’s promotes the continuous evaluation
Unexpected variations in data can lead to more complete analysis
They aid in judgment and interpretation of data more quickly and with less training then required by statistical evaluation
More conservative than statistical analysis
Provide Visual feedback to person whose behavior is being graphed and the individuals who are collecting the data
Tables and data are embedded within a text may be use as adjunct to graphs
Some benefits of using graphs
A type of Bar Graph
Histogram
A type of Standard celeration chart
Semilogarithmic graph
Marked according to the needs of the behavior analyst, to promote the most useful analysis
Can be marked as consecutive calendar days, weeks, or months; or by consecutive school days or by sessions classes or any specified recorded observation. Over a period of time
X axis units
Y – axis
The ordinate
Represents range of values of dependent variable, some quantified dimension of the target behavior
Moving from the zero point upwards along the LetterY axis, each point represents an increase value of the DV (the target bx)
The vertical axis don’t care
Equal movements up represent equal increases in behavior, on an equal intervals chart
Behavior should be expressed in whole time units, such as per hour or per minute rather than expressed in nonstandard units such as per class or procession
Y – Axis units
Dad expressed in procession or per class rates kind of problems
Session or class to rations can vary making them difficult to compare
Number of hours observed in some daily data can vary. Day today data points may not be comparable
For instance, weekday daily data versus weekend the data observations often very
Problems with non-standard units
Data may be graphed over consecutive days, classes, sessions, or observation. As, for example, the number of face slept for an hour, per day or number of Mands per minute per session.
That’s a rate such as hits two others per hour, is measured up the Y axis While the passage of time, per consecutive day, is marked along the X axis
Solution to problems with nonstandard units
Typically runs from zero, the intersection point with the X – axis, up to some number which is chosen by the creator of the graph
How is this number chosen?
What can happen if the incorrect number selected as the top of the range for the graphical display? Can go off the chart
Y – axis range
No convention exist. It depends on the specific behavior being charged
Led to the development of the standard celeration chart at least in part. Including Mands per day can go quickly from one up to hundreds. This makes a Y axis difficult to arrange
For equal interval line graphs, with clearly defined learning objectives, extend the Y axis range enough above the learning goal to allow for excellence – usually 25% to 33% above
Example, for target rate of 30 correct responses per minute on single digit multiplication table flashcards, have your range go up to 40 or so
The Proper Range: Acquisition Targets
Sometimes small variations at high values of the dependent variable can be enhanced by simple trick of graph manipulation
Can also be done on the X axis to make it appear that data taken months apart or temporarily contiguous
Bad idea
The break in the Y axis.
An individually measured value of the target behavior ( the DV) at a given point in time.
marks the intersection of values of two measurements, one marked along the Y axis and the other on the X axis
Example, there were 26 face laps (DV Measure on Y axis) during observation 4. (Time measure on X axis). See slide.
Data points.
The slide called a data point equals the intersection of X value and a Y value
Different shapes maybe used to represent different dependent variables
Useful in helping to distinguish between data paths
Different colors are nice…But do not copy or fax well
Data points
Series of straight lines connecting success of data points within a phase or condition.
Represents the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable
The primary focus for analysis and interpretation
Each line represents an estimate of the behavior
Connects data points
Each line represents an estimate of the chorus taken by the behavior between each point.
The more data points collected, the more confidence can be placed in the story of the behavior depicted by the data path.
Data Path
Represent one of two types of occurrence;
- Major changes occur in the independent variable –i.e. The introduction or discontinuation of An intervention.
- A major, usually permanent, change in the environment. eg.,The person moves residences, or sustains a permanent physical injury.
Phase changes
They document phase changes. They are a vital part of any chart
Solid vertical line placed at a point along the X axis indicating the point in time when the phase change occurred.
Allows for a clear visual separation between the data charted before the phase change, and the data collected after the phase change
Changes in the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE!
Phase change lines
Represents one of two types of occurrence:
MINOR changes occur in the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE. i.e., change in some parameter of an on-going intervention
Or
A minor, usually temporary, change in the environment. Example, the person is temporarily ill or goes on vacation.
Condition changes
Documents minor changes or vital changes.
A dotted vertical line is placed at a point along the X axis indicating the point in time of the change
Typically changes within phases. Thus, charts may contain only phase change lines, or May contain both…
Phase and condition change lines
Condition change lines.
Cooper continues to define the distinction between the condition and phase change lines.
JABA has utilize this distinction less and less
Dotted vertical lines now represent both condition and phase change lines in the majority of published articles on ABA
The board is unlikely to maintain this distinction for the purposes of the test, but we teach it not only as best practice, but because it enhances your ability to analyze data.
We will make the distinction on our test
Changing conventions
states what response measure was used to measure the dependent variable – the target behavior such as,
rate of hits per hour, number of Mands , or percentage of recorded intervals during which screaming occurred
Y axis label
States what time periods are represented by each success data point.
Such as, days, weeks, sessions
X axis label
Brief and placed at the top of the chart, and identify each separate major phase of treatment. Such as baseline, DRA, D/C haldol
Phase label
Mark changes occurring within a phase. Such as changes in FR schedule, dosages.
Should be easily understood.
Condition label
A concise statement that provide you with:
Sufficient information to identify the dependent variable’s and the independent variables, and
Possibly other salient information necessary to visually interpret the data
Figure legends
A general rule of thumb, do not connect across periods on the X axis where no data exist Regardless as to whether data were collected and loss, we’re not collected, or at the behavior did not have the opportunity to occur, such as days missed at school
This convention has Evald over time
On Connecting data points
What are we looking for?
What do we look at?
How do we analyze data?
Equal interval line graph characteristics
