Ch. 2 Flashcards
numbers
allows one to evaluate exactly how much behavior improves when a behavior-change intervention is introduced
variables
things that aren’t the same each time
DV
objectively measured target behavior
1st component of behavorial experiment
DV is behavior
2nd component of behavioral experiment
falsifiable hypothesis
3rd component of behavioral experiment
manipulation of IV
self-reports
ask individual to recall if they have engaged in the behavior
self-report cautions
1) not as truthful as we would like
2) rely upon false memory processes
direct observation
behavior is recorded as it occurs or a lasting product of the behavior is recorded at a later time
behavioral definition
specification if topography of target behavior, allowing observers to reliably identify instances and non-instances
social validity
consumer of intervention or expert in field indicates that the behavioral definition accurately reflects behavior of interest
interobserver agreement
extent to which 2 independent observers’ data are the same after having directly observed the same behavior at the same time
-if IOA is below 90%, behavioral definition should be refined because observers degree 10%+ of time, too much subjectivity
-not the same as accuracy, to know accuracy we compare recorded behavior to perfect record
-IOA doesn’t compare observer’s data with perfect record but with other observer who’s accuracy is unknown
-minute-by-minute preferred when possible that total responses is hiding disagreements
IOA formula
IOA = agreements divided by (agreements + disagreements) x 100
benefit of IOA
increases believability
4 dimensions of behavior
1) frequency
2) latency
3) duration
4) magnitude
frequency
used when interested in how often target behavior occurs
-response count divided by time or opportunity to respond
-most commonly used
latency
used when interested how long it takes for behavior to begin
-interval of time between the opportunity to respond and the response itself
duration
used when interested in how long behavior lasts, from start to finish
-interval of time between start and end of behavior
magnitude
force or intensity of behavior
reactivity
when behavior changes because the individual is aware they are being watched
outcome recording
observers record distinct, observable, and lasting products of behavior, instead of behavior itself
event recording
each instance of behavior recorded at the moment it occurs
-used when duration of target behavior is the same each time it occurs
interval recording
used when duration of target behavior varies from one instance to the next and if behavior doesn’t produce a distinct, observable, and lasting product
-interest in frequency
partial-interval recording
direct-observation method used to estimate how frequently behavior occurs
-observers record whether or not the behavior occurs DURING ANY portion of teach in a series of contiguous intervals
