Selecting & Defining Target Behavior Flashcards
anecdotal observation
ABC observation
Descriptive
Temporally sequenced (A-B-C)
Description of behavior patterns
Full attention, 20 - 30 min
Observations only, no interpretations
Repeat over several days
ABC recording
observer records a descriptive, temporally sequenced account of all behaviors of interest and the antecedent conditions and consequences in the clients natural environment
assessment methods
Methods to identify and define targets for behavior change
Identify relevant factors that may inform or influence intervention
interviews, checklist, test, direct observation
behavior checklist
provides descriptions of specific behaviors and the conditions under which each behavior should occur
Behavior Definition Importance
Definitions required for replication
Replication required to determine usefulness of data in other situations
Necessary for research
Two Types:
Function-based
Topography-based
behavioral assessment
variety of methods including direct observations, interviews, checklist and test to identify and define targets for behavior change
behavioral cusp
a behavior that has consequences beyond the change itself, some of which may be considered important.
Behaviors that open person’s world to new contingencies, stimuli and consequences:
Crawling, reading
Importance determined by: Socially valid Generativeness Competes with inappropriate responses Degree that others are affected
checklist
Descriptions of specific behaviors and conditions under which each should occur
Alone or with interview
Typically Likert-scale assessments
Ask about antecedents and consequences
Child Behavior Checklist
Adaptive Behavior Scale - School
Adaptive Behavior Scale - Residential and Community
Direct assessment measures
Tests
Direct Observation
Data collected in real time
direct observation
Direct and repeated
Natural environment
Identifies potential target behaviors
Preferred method
ecological assesment
information gathered about the person adn the various environments in which that person lives and works.
-physiological conditions, physical aspects of environment, interactions with others, home environment, past reinforcement history
ecological assessment
Data on individual and environment
Affecting factors: Physical features Interactions with others Home Reinforcement history
Evaluate amount of descriptive data required to address current need
Cons:
time consuming
costly
too much data
Ethical considerations for assessment
Authority
Permission
Resources
Social validity
Five Phases of Assessment
- Screening
- Defining problem or criteria for achievement
- Pinpointing target behaviors
- Monitoring progress
- Following-up
function-based definition
definition that designates responses as members of the targeted response class solely by their common effect on the environment
Includes all members of response class The function of behavior is most important feature Simpler and more concise definitions Easier to measure accurately and reliably
When natural outcome is not within control of behavior analyst
Logistical, ethical, or safety reasons
E.g., Function of elopement is a lost child
In these cases, function-based definition by proxy
More restrictive definition that keeps behavior within control of analyst
habilitation
Degree to which a person’s behavior repertoire maximizes short and long term reinforcers and minimizes short and long term punishers
Use to assess meaningfulness of behavior change
Necessary considerations: Relevance of behavior after intervention Necessary prerequisite skills Increased access Impact on behavior of others Behavior cusp Pivotal Behavior (functionally significant for the client?)
Indirect assessment measures
Interviews
Checklists
Based on recollection of events
Individual Interview
Identify list of potential target behaviors
What and when
Avoid ‘why’
Identify primary concerns
Verified through further data collection
Direct observation
Use of questionnaires or self-monitoring
normalization
use of progressivley more typical environments, expectations and procedures to establish away/ or maintain personal behaviors which are as culturally normal as possible
Age appropriateness
Philosophy of achieving greatest possible integration of people with disabilities into society
pivotal behavior
a behavior that once learned, produces corresponding modifications or covariations in other adaptive untrained behaviors.
Self-initiation, joint attention
Advantages for both interventionist and client
prioritizing behaviors
- Threat to health or safety
- Frequency
Opportunities to use new behavior Occurrence of problem - Longevity
- Potential for higher rates of
reinforcement - Importance
Skill development
Independence - Reduction of negative attention
- Reinforcement for significant others
Social validity
Exercise caution when considering
8. Likelihood of success Research Practitioner’s experience Environmental variables Available resources
- Cost-benefit
Costs include client’s time and effort
reactivity
Effects of assessment on behavior being assessed
Obtrusive assessment great impact
Self-monitoring most obtrusive
To reduce reactivity:
Unobtrusive methods
Repeat observations
Take effects into account
relevance of behavior rule
target behaviors should be selected only when it can determined that the behavior is likely to produce reinforcement in the person’s natural environment
SO Interview
Develop behavioral descriptions
What, when, how
Avoid ‘why’
Move from general to specific
Determine participation
social validity
change behaviors to an extent that a person’s life is changed in a positive and meaningful way
Consider whose behavior is being assessed and why
Unacceptable to change behavior primarily for benefit of others
To what extent will proposed change improve the person’s life?
Standardized tests
Consistent administration
Compares performance to specified criteria
Norm-referenced
Limitations
Do not specify target behaviors
Do not provide direct measure of behavior
Licensing requirements (ex: psychologist only)
target behavior
the specific behavior selected for change
Target Behavior Ranking Matrix
Numerical rating of potential target behaviors
Increase client, parent, and staff participation
Resolve conflict
Build consensus
topography-based definition
definition identifies instances of the target by the shape or form of the behavior
used when behavior analyst does not have direct, reliable, or easy access to functional outcomes
Cannot rely on function of behavior because each occurrence does not produce relevant outcome
When the relevant outcome is sometimes produced by undesirable variations of the response class E.g., A basketball player scores with a sloppy shot from the free throw line Definition should encompass all response forms that produce relevant outcomes
