Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Practitioners Need Measurement • To evaluate (before during and after) effects of treatment • To guide decision making • To continue ineffective treatment or discontinue effective treatment
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Measurable Dimensions of Behavior • Dimensions are distinct features that can be measured • Three fundamental properties – Repeatability or countability (conteo): behavior can be counted – Temporal extent: duration – Temporal locus: when behavior occurs
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Measures Based on Repeatability Count – # of responses emitted during obs. period Rate/Frequency (better than counting) – Ratio of count per observation period • Include counting time for reference • Rate of correct and incorrect responses helpful.
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Guidelines for Using Rate • Useful measure for free operants • Not appropriate for responses within discrete trials • Not appropriate for continuous behavior over extended period
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Measures Based on Repeatability Celeration – Measure of the change in rate of responding per unit of time • Reported using Standard Celeration Chart
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Measures Based on Temporal Locus Interresponse time – Amount of time that elapses between two consecutive instances of a response class • Direct measure of temporal locus, and related to rate • Reported as mean, median, and range
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Time Sampling • Variety of methods for observing and recording behavior during intervals or at specific moments in time
• Observation is divided into intervals,
presence or absence of behavior recorded for each interval
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Guidelines for Time Sampling • Use a timing device to signal beginning and end of observation • Record a response for every interval (e.g., yes or no) • Different procedures produce different results