Mod 13 A Scatter Plot for Identifying Stimulus Control of Problem Behavior (Touchette et al.)

Question 1

Why is it sometimes difficult to identify the controlling variables for undesirable behaviors in applied settings?

The relevant environmental features may not be simple or intuitively obvious.
There may be too many possible stimuli to test.
Every behavior analyst may not be skilled enough to identify the controlling variables.
Conducting a functional analysis may take too long.

Answer 1

The relevant environmental features may not be simple or intuitively obvious.
There may be too many possible stimuli to test.

Question 2

Why are scatter plots advantageous for identifying the controlling variables for undesired behaviors in applied settings?

They show the pattern of responding rather than an overall average.
They demonstrate a functional relationship between the controlling variable(s) and the undesired behavior.
They confirm the pattern, already identified by direct observation, that demonstrates a functional relationship between the environmental variable(s) and the problem behavior.
They show the average responding across days and/or weeks.

Answer 2

They show the pattern of responding rather than an overall average.

Question 3

A scatter plot includes:

a blank piece of paper
a grid
a line graph
a bar graph

Answer 3

a grid

Question 4

Along with indicating whether the behavior occurred, what else does a scatterplot show?

exactly how many times the behavior occurred
how intense the behavior was
when the behavior occurred
whether the behavior occurred at a high, low, or 0 rate

Answer 4

when the behavior occurred

whether the behavior occurred at a high, low, or 0 rate

Question 5

In Case Illustration 1, the scatter plot showed that Joan engaged in aggression most often:

-during one-to-one instruction
-during lunchtime
-during group provocational and community living classes
-during swimming

Answer 5

-during group provocational and community living classes

Question 6

In the Case Illustration 2, Tom engaged in self-injurious behavior most often:

when there was an increase in peers present
when a certain staff person worked
during morning activities
during afternoon activities

Answer 6

when there was an increase in peers present

when a certain staff person worked

during afternoon activities

Question 7

In the Case Illustration 3, Jim engaged in self-injurious behavior most often:

-during activities
-at certain times of day
-when certain staff people worked
-during mealtimes

Answer 7

-at certain times of day