Quiz 1 Study Questions

Question 1

What are the five reasons why we measure behavior?

Answer 1

1. To tell whether our treatments work
2. To detect gradual improvements over time
3. To help make us accountable
4. To allow us to provide precise feedback
5. It can help us better understand the problem

Question 2

Three Questions to be asked when selecting behaviors

Answer 2

1. Determining whether the change in behaviors would improve the clients functioning
2. Decide what behaviors need to increase and which behaviors need to decrease
3. Determine the situations where these behaviors need to change

Question 3

What are three characteristics of a good behavioral definition?

Answer 3

1. Objective
2. Clear
3. Complete

Question 4

How can you determine if a definition is clear?

Answer 4

Observers should be able to put it into their own words.

Question 5

What are six steps in writing a definition?

Answer 5

1. See what others have done
2. Observe others engaging in the behavior
3. List examples
4. Come up with a definition that is objective, clear and complete
5. Discuss the definition
6. Try the definition out and determine whether your definition is missing anything

Question 6

What are four guides for designing a recording sheet?

Answer 6

1. Look at recording sheets others have used
2. Arrange the sheet in the same way you scan or record the behavior
3. Use symbols or clear abbreviations rather than small print
4. If a behavior rarely occurs, make sure its absence is also recorded.

Question 7

What are five reasons why you might obtain poor inter-observer agreement?

Answer 7

1. The definition is not objective, clear or complete
2. The task is too complex
3. The observation period is too long
4. The observers have not received sufficient training
5. The observers are biased

Question 8

What is one solution if research assistants are having problems with one aspect of a definition?

Answer 8

Have them practice only observing that aspect together until they can obtain agreement

Question 9

What are five rules for observation etiquette?

Answer 9

1. Get an introduction
2. Enter and depart during a natural break
3. Don’t talk with other observers
4. Do not talk with people you are observing
5. Disguise your interest by varying the apparent object of your glances.

Question 10

Why is it important to collect data on treatment integrity?

Answer 10

It is impossible to know if the treatment is working if you don’t know whether it was implemented at all or delivered correctly.