Chapter 4

Question 1

Prediction

Answer 1

The idea that if the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable, the data path will remain unchanged across phases. Verification—The confirmation that the dependent variable is changing in a predictable fashion as the independent variable is systematically applied. Replication—The repeating of the predictions and verifications within the same study

Question 1

Reliability

Answer 1

Single subject research is concerned primarily with interobserver reliability; the researcher must ensure that observational procedures and results are reliable

Question 2

Observer Drift

Answer 2

A change in interpretation of the agreed-upon operational definition of the target behavior; this is a threat to reliability

Question 3

Reactivity

Answer 3

An individual altering his or her behavior as a result of being observed

Question 4

Internal Validity

Answer 4

The degree to which the researcher has adequately controlled the independent, dependent, and extraneous variables so that there is confirmation of a functional relationship

Question 5

Extraneous Variables

Answer 5

Virtually anything that may affect the demonstration of the functional relationship between the independent and dependent variables History—The passage of time and both foreseen and unforeseen events; this is a threat to internal validity

Question 6

Maturation

Answer 6

The natural development of the individual over time; this is a threat to internal validity

Question 7

Attrition

Answer 7

The loss of a subject during the course of a study; this is a threat to internal and external validity

Question 8

Multiple Treatment Interference

Answer 8

Effects from previously used interventions (e.g., in an A-B-C design where interference from B might influence the outcomes in C) or when package interventions are used (e.g., BC phase when it is difficult to determine whether B or C has the greater influence or if only the combination has the effect)

Question 9

Treatment Drift

Answer 9

A situation in which individuals involved in administering the independent variable are consciously or unconsciously producing personal modifications that may influence the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable

Question 10

Intervention Fidelity

Answer 10

The degree to which the researcher, through systematic observations by two or more raters, can verify that the independent variable was consistently carried out according to the prescribed procedures. External validity—The degree to which the researcher (or consumer of the research) may have confidence that similar results will be obtained if the experimental procedures are used with other individuals, in other settings, with other behaviors, and so on

Question 11

Direct Replication

Answer 11

Occurs when a researcher duplicates as precisely as possible the procedures used in a previous study and similar results are obtained

Question 12

Systemic Replication

Answer 12

Occurs when experimental conditions are varied but similar results are obtained.

Question 13

Educational Significance

Answer 13

Refers to the concern that, although statistically significant results may be achieved, the results should merit conclusions that the interventions used also translated into real-world significance

Question 14

Social Validity

Answer 14

Refers to the degree to which other people think that the targeted changes in behavior are important and that the methods used to encourage behavior change are acceptable

Question 15

Empirical Validity

Answer 15

Refers to the measurements that actually demonstrate that the proposed behavioral changes will indeed positively affect the individual’s life

Question 15

Frequency

Answer 15

Number of responses (within a constant time period)

Question 16

Rate

Answer 16

Number of responses per standard unit of time (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours)

Question 17

Latency

Answer 17

Measure of time between an environmental event and a response

Question 18

Percent of Occurence

Answer 18

Number of responses divided by number of opportunities and multiplied by 100

Question 19

Celeration

Answer 19

Ratio of two response rates (measure of change) divided by measure of time between the two response rates

Question 20

Trails to Criterion

Answer 20

Number of response opportunities to achieve a performance standard

Question 21

Inter-Response Time

Answer 21

The measure of time between the end of one response and the beginning of the next one

Question 22

Duration

Answer 22

Measure of time from the beginning to the end of a response

Question 23

Setting Confounds

Answer 23

Uncontrolled aspects of the natural environment

Question 24

Testing

Answer 24

Repeated testing

Question 25

Procedural (Treatment) Integrity

Answer 25

Treatment not being implemented as planned; including procedural drift, which occurs when implementation of a procedure deteriorates over time

Question 26

Loss of Subjects

Answer 26

Participants drop out (attrition)

Question 27

Multiple Intervention Interface

Answer 27

Interaction of multiple treatments

Question 28

Coincidentally Interevening

Answer 28

Coincidence that the intervention started at the same time the behavior was changing

Question 29

Instrumentation

Answer 29

Inaccurate measurement by devices or human observers