Defining Target Behaviors & Research Application Flashcards
What are the 5 phases of a behavior modification program?
Stage 1: The screening or intake Stage 2: Define the target behavior Stage 3: Baseline assessment Stage 4: Treatment phase Stage 5: Follow up phase
What are some examples of indirect behavioral assessment tools?
Questionnaires, interviews, role playing or self monitoring
What are the characteristics of behavior observed in direct behavioral assessments ?
- Topography
- Frequency
- Latency
- Duration
- Stimulus Control
- Quality of behavior
- Intensity
Describe the difference between the latency of behavior and the stimulus control
Latency refers to the time between the presentation of a stimulus and the response. The stimulus control refers to the degree of correlation between the stimulus and the response following it.
What are the 3 general strategies for recording behavior?
- Continuous recording
- Interval recording
- Time sampling
Describe the difference between interval recording and time sampling
The target behavior is recorded as having occurred or not occurred during set intervals of equal time that are sequential. Time sampling records the target behavior as having occurred or not occurred during brief observation intervals that are separated by much longer period of time.
What are 3 common sources of error in behavioral observations?
- The target behavior in question may not be specific enough, or is too subjective for the observer to document accurately
- The situation in which observations are occurring has too many distractions or obstructions
- The observer may not have appropriate training or may be biased
What are some examples of observer bias?
- Reactivity: when observers are unaware they are being monitored they are less accurate
- Observer drift
- Observer expectancy
- Feedback
- Complexity
Describe a scenario where a feedback bias may be exemplified
A research student is leading a behavioral modification program to modify a child who has severe tantrums. In the first few days, his supervisor may provide overly encouraging and positive feedback to this student since this is his student. However, this student may take this encouragement as a sign that his modification program is extremely successful whether or not observational proof is demonstrating this.
What is the ABAB Design?
This design describes a modification plan consisting of the baseline phase, followed by a treatment phase, then a reversal back to baseline, followed once again by a treatment phase.
What are the limitations to an ABAB design
It is often undesirable to return to baseline for certain behaviors for example, when working with some developmentally challenged individuals, often self harm is a behavior that must be targeted and it is not appropriate to remove treatment once it has begun. Behavioral trapping can also occur where reversal of behavior may not be possible.
What is a multiple baselines design?
A design where two or more behaviors of one individual are targeted, treatment is introduced sequentially
Describe the difference between multiple baselines across people vs situations
Across people: the behavioral treatment plan is used amongst two or more individuals targeting the same behavior. For example, a behavioral specialist may instill a program for a team of future skaters to help improve their turns on the ice.
Across situations: the treatment plan is used on one individual across multiple situations. for example, in helping a child end his conversations to his imaginary friend as it disrupts other, the modification program may have to take place in the multiple places his behavior occurs.
What is a changing criterion design?
A design in which the criteria used to measure the behavior is modified to conform to the successive changes of the individuals behavior
