Unit 2 Lecture Flashcards
Focus of Behavior Analysis
- Primary focus of Bx-analytic assessment: Identify prob with bx (excesses & skill deficits)
- Also need to measure & assess: Effects of bx analyst’s involvement in treatment
- Social Validity
- Risk
- Treatment integrity
Review: Behavioral Assessment
*Systematic gathering of info to make data-based decisions regarding behavior & the environment
Behavior - Analytic Assessment
- Purpose is to Gain specific info about individual performance within a specific env
- Not diagnostic
- Does not necessarily result in a global score or grade level equivalent
Different Approaches: Results of Assessments
- Behavioral:
- Leads to specific targets
- Educational/ psychological:
- Leads to Broad “Level” or global score
Different Approaches:
Combined or Separated Operants
- Behavioral:
- Separates out each operant
- Educational/Psychological:
- Often combines operants
Different Approaches Freq of Assessments
- Behavioral:
- Ongoing
- Educational/ Psychological:
- Snapshot
Different Approaches:
Types of Data Used
- Behavioral:
- Requires direct (objective) observation of bx
- Educational/ psychological:
- (Subjective) self-report maybe only measure
Which if the following are features of a behavioral assessment?
a. Ongoing
b. Combines operants
c. Provides a global score
d. Separates by operant
e. Requires observation
f. Self-report can be sufficient
a. Ongoing
d. Separates by operant
e. Requires observation
Objective Measures
- Measures that are impartial & independently verifiable
- e.g: The coffee is 160 F
Subjective Measures
- Measures that are influenced by personal opinions & can only be reported by the individual
- E.g: The coffee is too cold
Preference For Objective Measures in Bx-Analytic Assessment
- Problems with subjective measure:
- Can change over time (not reliable)
- Not casual
- Counter to the natural science approach
- Behavior-Analytic assessments will always include objective measures
- May also supplement with subjective
Which type of measures are independently verifiable?
A. Objective
B. Subjective
A. Objective measures are independently verifiable while subjective measures are influenced by personal opinions and are susceptible to biases.
Rating a product as 4 out of 5 stars would be considered what type of measure?
A. Objective
B. Subjective
B. Subjective
Whether a product is rated as 4/5 stars is based on a person’s opinion of that product. It is not clear what criterion the person might use to rate the product that way. Therefore, this would be a subjective measure.
Write an example of an objective measure:
-“Completed work in 3 hours.” Or “Asked for help 4 times.”
An objective measure can be independently verified. Any precise measure based on direct observation would be a good example of an objective measure.
Wolf (1978) on Social Validity
“Social Validity” :The Case for Subjective Measurement or How Applied Bx Analysis if Finding Its Heart”
Social Validity
*The degree to which the consumer finds our involvement acceptable from beginning to end
Importance of Social Validity
- Consumer is more likely to stick with the treatment
- Better outcomes
- Encourage others to seek treatment/ help
Poor Social Validity
- AKA social invalidity
- Actions the consumer takes when our involvement is not acceptable
- Unsatisfied consumers may:
- Not implement parts of program
- Withdraw
- Share disapproval with others
Case for Subjective Measures
*JABA’s Purpose: “Publication of applications of the analysis of bx to problems of social importance”
Laboratory and Applied Settings
- In Lab Settings:
- Select species based on genetics
- Can control individual history
- In applied settings:
- Cannot control for species
- Not using novel bx
Subjectivity in Social Validity
- Cannot rely on subjective measures alone
- Not sufficient, but necessary
- Standard practice
Which is the best description of social validity?
a. How certain we are that the procedures caused the change
b. The extent to which consumers find service acceptable
c. The extent to which a procedure affects society at large
b. The extent to which consumers find service acceptable
When assessing social validity, the use of subjective measures may be appropriate.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Social Validity Assessment
- Examination of the acceptability, Viability & Appropriateness of a client goal, programmed intervention, and/or outcome
- Are the changes in bx of clinical or applied importance?