L&B Chapter 2 Quiz

naturalistic observation

A descriptive research approach that involves the systematic observation and recording of behavior in its natural environment.

overt behavior

Behavior that can potentially be observed by an individual other than the one performing the behavior (which is also what is normally meant by the term observable behavior).

quasi-independent variable

A variable that is inseparable from an individual and cannot be manipulated, but group-level comparisons can be made using that variable.

rate of response

The number of responses that occur in a certain period of time (i.e., the frequency of the response).

response

An alternative term for behavior, but one that tends to be used when referring to a particular instance of a behavior or a reaction to a stimulus.

reversal design

A type of single-subject design that involves repeated alternations between a baseline period and a treatment period.

simple-comparison design

A type of single-subject design in which behavior in a baseline condition is compared to behavior in a subsequent treatment condition.

single-subject design

A research design that requires only one or a few subjects in order to conduct an entire experiment. (Also known as single-case or small-n designs.)

spatial contiguity

The extent to which events are situated close to each other in space.

speed

The length of time required to perform a behavior from start to finish, which indicates how fast or slow the behavior is occurring.

stimulus

Any event that can potentially influence behavior. (The plural for stimulus is stimuli.)

temporal contiguity

The extent to which events occur close together in time.

time-sample recording

The measurement of whether a behavior occurs within a series of continuous intervals. (The number of times that it occurs within each interval is irrelevant.)

topography

The physical form of a behavior.

variable

A characteristic of a person, place, or thing that can change (vary) over time or from one situation to another.

comparative design

A type of group design in which different species constitute one of the independent variables.

contingency

A predictive relationship between two events such that the occurrence of one event predicts the probable occurrence of the other.

control group design

A type of group design in which, at its simplest, subjects are randomly assigned to either an experimental (or treatment) group or a control group.

covert behavior

Behavior that can be subjectively perceived only by the person performing the behavior. Thoughts and feelings are covert behaviors. Also known as private events or private behavior.

cumulative recorder

A device that records total number of responses over time and provides a graphic depiction of the rate of response.

dependent variable

That aspect of an experiment that is allowed to freely vary to determine if it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

descriptive research

Research that focuses on describing behavior and the circumstances within which it occurs.

duration

The total amount of time that an individual repeatedly or continuously performs a certain behavior, with no concern for how fast or slow the behavior is occurring.

establishing operation

A procedure that increases the appetitiveness or aversiveness of a stimulus.

experimental research

A research method in which one or more independent variables are systematically varied to determine their effect on a dependent variable.

factorial design

A type of group design in which one examines the effects of two or more independent variables (or factors) across groups of subjects.

functional relationship

The relationship between changes in an independent variable and changes in a dependent variable; a cause-and-effect relationship.

group design

A type of experimental research in which one manipulates one or more independent variables across groups of subjects.

independent variable

That aspect of an experiment that is made to systematically vary across the different conditions in an experiment.

intensity

The force or magnitude of a behavior.

interobserver reliability

The extent to which two or more independent observers agree on the occurrence of a behavior. (Also known as interobserver agreement.)

interval recording

The measurement of whether a behavior occurs within a series of continuous intervals. (The number of times the behavior occurs within each interval is irrelevant.)

latency

The length of time required for a behavior to begin.

motivating operation

A procedure that affects the appetitiveness or aversiveness of a stimulus. (There are two types

multiple-baseline design

A type of single-subject design in which a treatment is instituted at successive points in time for two or more persons, settings, or behaviors.

abolishing operation

A procedure that decreases the appetitiveness or aversiveness of a stimulus or event.

appetitive stimulus

An event that an organism will seek out.

aversive stimulus

An event that an organism will avoid.

baseline

The normal frequency of a behavior prior to an intervention.

changing-criterion design

A type of single-subject design in which the effect of the treatment is demonstrated by how closely the behavior matches a criterion that is being systematically altered.