EAB 4930 Exam 1 Study Guide

Q1: What are three aspects of a behavioral definition that can increase adequacy?

• Objectiveness – Refers to observable events that two or more people can agree on.

• Clarity – Observers can read and paraphrase the definition accurately.

• Completeness – Includes all relevant instances, excludes irrelevant aspects.

Q2: What is the difference between a functional and a topographical definition of behavior?

• Functional definition: Describes behavior by its effects on the environment (e.g., door is 2 feet open).

• Topographical definition: Describes the physical form of the behavior (e.g., using hands to turn a doorknob).

Q3: Define expectancy bias, observer bias, reactivity, and observer drift.

Mult Choice: Q3: Which of the following correctly matches observation errors?

• Expectancy bias: Observer expectations influence scoring toward expected outcomes

• Observer bias: Data accuracy affected by second observer’s presence

• Reactivity: Participant behavior changes because they know they’re observed

• Observer drift: Observer reliability decreases over time due to fatigue, boredom, or illness

Q4: What advantages does mechanical recording offer over using humans to record data?

• Eliminates human error sources (bias, drift, fatigue, illness)

• Increases reliability and accuracy

• Removes human judgment from data collection