Lesson 3: Methods for Observation

Question 1

The first tactic in using the behavioral strategy to solve human problems is to develop a _______ _______.

Answer 1

behavioral definition (it gives you the basis for observing the problem behavior)

Question 2

The second tactic of using the behavioral strategy is to use _______ _______ to gather information about the problem behavior.

Answer 2

direct observation

Question 3

The four most common methods in direct observation

Answer 3

outcome recording, event recording, interval recording, time sample recording

Question 4

Outcome recording

Answer 4

Uniform
Use this method with behaviors that leave unique results. (e.g. washing a window leaves the window clean)
Simply count the outcomes, not the behavior
“Does the behavior occur as uniform instances?” if “yes” then ask “Does the behavior leave a result?” if “yes” then use outcome recording
e.g. You want to observe how often ken does favors for other people. One result of ken doing favors might be that he will tell you how often he does them. But his report is baed on memory, and it does not use a behavioral definition. Further, he might lie to make herself look good. So his reports do not have a known relation to actually doing favors. You could not use them with any confidence to observe Ken’s favors.

Question 5

Event recording

Answer 5

Best, most accurate
Uniform
A behavior does not leave a unique result (e.g. waving or saying thank you, no outcome, it happens and its done)
You record a response when you see an instance of the behavior.
Need to see the onset and offset of behavior.
“Does the behavior occur as uniform instances?” yes “Does the behavior have a result?” no

Question 6

Interval recording

Answer 6

Nonuniform
Divide the observation period into equal, continuous, short intervals of time
Record whether the behavior occurred at least once during the interval (like behavior sheet at work)

Question 7

Time sample recording

Answer 7

Nonuniform
Record a response if the behavior occurs within one of a series of discontinuous intervals. (the beginning of each time interval does not start at the end of the prior time interval, interruptions between intervals)
e.g. Teacher checks in on one student for 20 seconds then moves on to another student for 20 seconds and so on until he repeats with the first student again

Question 8

Uniform

Answer 8

takes about the same amount of time

Question 9

Nonuniform

Answer 9

more sporadic in time