Section D

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on experimental design, focusing on dependent and independent variables, validity types, single-case designs, and various analytical methods.

Dependent Variable

The measured behavior in an experiment to determine if it changes due to manipulations of the independent variable.

Independent Variable

The variable that is systematically manipulated by the researcher to see if it produces reliable changes in the dependent variable.

Internal Validity

The extent to which an experiment shows that changes in behavior are a function of the independent variable and not due to uncontrolled variables.

External Validity

The degree to which a study's findings can be generalized to other subjects, settings, and behaviors.

Single-Case Experimental Design

An experimental design where individuals serve as their own controls, allowing for repeated measures of a target behavior.

Baseline Data

Data collected on a target behavior before any intervention is applied, used to demonstrate changes due to manipulation of the independent variable.

Reversal Design

An experimental design that involves reversing the phase to see if the previous behaviors return to baseline levels.

Multiple Baseline Design

A design that measures the effect of an independent variable on two or more dependent variables by introducing treatment at delayed intervals.

Changing Criterion Design

A design that uses stepwise adjustments in criteria for a target behavior to demonstrate effects due to the independent variable.

Prediction

The hypothesis regarding the expected outcome of a measurement in a study.

Verification

Demonstrating that baseline data would have remained consistent if the independent variable had not been manipulated.

Replication

Demonstrating similar results in additional phases when repeating the manipulation of the independent variable.

Complete Reversal Design

Also known as an ABAB design, involves withdrawing a treatment and then reintroducing it.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled variables that might influence the results of a study, raising concerns about internal validity.

Naturalistic Settings

Real-life environments where research may be conducted to enhance external validity.

Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors (DRO)

An intervention used to reduce problematic behaviors by reinforcing other acceptable behaviors.

ABAB Design

A specific type of reversal design involving two treatment phases and two baseline phases.

Experimental Control

The extent to which a researcher can control for variables that might affect the outcome of a study.

Behavior Change

The alteration of behavior as a result of an intervention.

Causal Relationship

A connection between an intervention and a change in behavior demonstrated through experimental design.

Prediction Phase

The phase in a single-case design where the outcome of the behavior is hypothesized based on previous measurements.

Multielement Design

A design that assesses the effectiveness of two or more independent variables by alternating each treatment condition.

Component Analysis

An approach that analyzes parts of a treatment package to determine which elements influence the dependent variable.

Parametric Analysis

Evaluating the effects of different dosages of treatment on a dependent variable.

Stepwise Adjustments

Incremental changes made in the criteria for a target behavior within a changing criterion design.

Confounding Variables

Variables that can cloud the results of an experiment if not controlled, thus impacting internal validity.

Generalizability

The extent to which study findings can be applied to broader populations or different settings.

Withdrawal Design

A design type wherein the treatment is removed and re-assessed to check for behavior return to baseline.

Behavior Analyst

A professional who uses principles of behavior analysis to measure and improve behaviors.

Behavioral Intervention

Strategies implemented to modify specific behaviors, often based on analysis of data.

Subject Control

Each participant serves as their own control in a single-case experimental study.

Non-Withdrawal Designs

Experimental designs that do not require the withdrawal of treatment, such as multiple baseline designs.

Statistical Control

Using statistics to account for variables that can bias the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Behavioral Stability

The consistency of a behavior across measurements before and during intervention phases.

Incremental Increases

Gradually raising the criteria for reinforcement in a changing criterion design.

Socially Significant Behavior

Behaviors that have meaningful impact in applied settings, often assessed in applied behavior analysis.

Research Methodology

The systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study.

Experimenter Effects

Influences on the outcome of research results stemming from the researcher’s behavior or expectations.

Subject Selection

The process of determining which participants will be included in a study, impacting external validity.

Behavioral Measurement

The systematic process of observing and recording behaviors during an experiment.

Standardized Treatment

A consistent approach to applying an intervention across participants to ensure reliability.

Sequential Analysis

Reviewing data collected over time to refine the treatment applied in single-case designs.

Treatment Efficacy

The effectiveness of an intervention measured against a control or a baseline condition.

Treatment Fidelity

The degree to which the treatment implemented adheres to the protocols defined in the study.

Holistic Approach

Considering the complete participant’s context rather than isolated behaviors in analysis.

Real-life Application

The use of research findings in practical, everyday contexts to inform interventions.

Behavior Analysis Principles

The foundational theories and practices used to assess and modify behavior in individuals.