Chapter 6

Question 1

Bar Graph

Answer 1

A simple and versatile graphic format for summarizing behavioral data; shares most of the line graph’s features except that it does not have distinct data points representing successive response measures through time. Also called a histogram.

Question 2

Cumulative Record

Answer 2

A type of graph on which the cumulative number of responses emitted is represented on the vertical axis; the steeper the slope of the data path, the greater the response rate.

Question 3

Cumulative Recorder

Answer 3

A device that automatically draws cumulative records (graphs) that show the rate of response in real time; each time a response is emitted, a pen moves upward across paper that continuously moves at a constant speed.

Question 4

Data

Answer 4

The results of measurement, usually in quantifiable form; in ap-plied behavior analysis, it refers to measures of some quantifiable dimension of a behavior.

Question 5

Data Path

Answer 5

The level and trend of behavior between successive data points; created by drawing a straight line from the center of each data point in a given data set to the center of the next data point in the same set.

Question 6

Dependent Variable

Answer 6

The variable in an experiment measured to determine if it changes as a result of manipulations of the independent variable; in applied behavior analysis, it represents some measure of a socially significant behavior.

Question 7

Equal-Interval Scale

Answer 7

A scale in which equal distances on the x axis represent equal absolute amounts of the variable plotted on the x axis.

Question 8

Graph

Answer 8

A visual format for displaying data; reveals relations among and between a series of measurements and relevant variables.

Question 9

Independent Variable

Answer 9

The variable that is systematically manipulated by the researcher in an experiment to see whether changes in the independent variable produce reliable changes in the dependent variable. In applied behavior analysis, it is usually an environmental event or condition antecedent or consequent to the dependent variable. Sometimes called the intervention or treatment variable.

Question 10

Level

Answer 10

The value on the vertical axis around which a series of behavioral measures converge.

Question 11

Line Graph

Answer 11

Based on a Cartesian plane, a two-dimensional area formed by the intersection of two perpendicular lines. Any point within the plane represents a specific relation between the two dimensions described by the intersecting lines. It is the most common graphic format for displaying data in applied behavior analysis.

Question 12

Local Response Rate

Answer 12

he average rate of response during a smaller period of time within a larger period for which an overall response rate has been given.

Question 13

Overall Response Rate

Answer 13

The rate of response over a given time period.

Question 14

Precision Teaching

Answer 14

An instructional approach that involves:
a. pinpointing the skills to be learned
b. measuring the initial frequency or rate per minute at which the student can perform those skills
c. setting an aim, or goal, for improvement,
d. using direct, daily measurement to monitor progress made under and instructional program
e. charting the results of the measurements on a Standard Celeration Chart
f. changing the program if progress is not adequate

Question 15

Ratio Scale

Answer 15

A scale in which equal distances on a graph’s x axis correspond to equal ratios of change in the variable plotted on the axis.

Question 16

Scatterplot

Answer 16

A two-dimensional graph that shows the relative distribution of individual measures in a data set with respect to the variables depicted by the x and y axes. Data points on a scatterplot are not connected.

Question 17

Split-Middle Line of Progress

Answer 17

A line drawn through a series of graphed data points that shows the overall trend in the data; drawn through the intersections of the vertical and horizontal middles of each half of the charted data and then adjusted up or down so that half of all the data points fall on or above and half fall on or below the line.

Question 18

Standard Celeration Chart

Answer 18

A multiply-divide chart with six base-10 (or x 10, 7 10) cycles on the vertical axis that can accommodate response rates as low as 1 per 24 hours (0.000695 per minute) to as high as 1,000 per minute. It enables the standardized charting of celeration, a factor by which rate of behavior multiplies or divides per unit of time.

Question 19

Trend

Answer 19

The overall direction taken by a data path. It is described in terms of direction (increasing, decreasing, or zero trend), degree (gradual or steep), and the extent of variability of data points around the trend. Trend is used in predicting future measures of the behavior under unchanging conditions.

Question 20

Variability

Answer 20

The frequency and extent to which multiple measures of behavior yield different outcomes.

Question 21

Visual Analysis

Answer 21

A systematic approach for interpreting the results of behavioral research and treatment programs that entails visual inspection of graphed data for variability, level and trend within the between experimental conditions.