Graphing and Evaluating Change in Behavior Modification Study Guide

What does the graph in behavior modification show?

The level of behavior over time.

What is the purpose of research in behavior modification?

To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and demonstrate a functional relationship between environmental events and behavior.

What is a functional relationship in behavior modification?

A relationship where behavior is a function of the environment.

What is measured as the dependent variable in behavior modification?

The target behavior.

What does the A-B-A-B Reversal Design demonstrate?

A functional relationship by implementing baseline and treatment phases twice for one behavior of one subject.

What ethical considerations are there in behavior modification?

Is it ethical to remove treatment, especially for harmful drugs or self-harm?

What is the Multiple Baseline Design?

A design that demonstrates a functional relationship by replicating treatment across two or more baselines.

What does the Alternating Treatments Design compare?

Baseline and treatment or two treatments by alternating conditions rapidly.

What is the Changing Criterion Design?

A design that demonstrates a functional relationship by having multiple performance criteria in the treatment phase.

What factors increase the believability of time series data evaluations?

Larger effects relative to background variability, immediate effects, more replications, and consistent effects.

What is the purpose of behavioral assessment?

To decide if a problem exists, determine the best treatment, and measure treatment effects.

What are the types of behavioral assessment?

Indirect assessment (interviews, questionnaires) and direct assessment (observation and recording).

What is involved in defining the target behavior?

Describing actions objectively without labels, using active verbs, and avoiding inferences about internal states.

What are the methods of recording behavior?

Continuous recording, product recording, interval recording, and time sample recording.

What is inter-observer reliability?

The agreement between independent observers when recording behavior.

What are common misconceptions about behavior modification?

That it relies on punishment, uses bribes, ignores real causes of behavior, and dehumanizes people.

What are example applications of behavior modification?

Developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, education, rehabilitation, community psychology, and health psychology.

What is the focus of behavior modification?

Behavioral excesses or deficits based on current environmental events.

What does Skinner say about diagnoses in behavior modification?

He refers to them as 'explanatory fictions.'

What is the difference between the medical model and the behavioral model?

The medical model focuses on underlying causes, while the behavioral model emphasizes observable behavior and its modification.

What is the significance of the term 'reactivity' in behavioral assessment?

It refers to how the act of observing can change the behavior being recorded.

What is the role of the observer in behavior recording?

To record the target behavior accurately, either as an independent observer or through self-monitoring.

What is the importance of defining observation periods in behavior recording?

To ensure consistent and accurate data collection during specific times and settings.

What is the goal of reducing reactivity in behavior observation?

To obtain more natural and unaffected behavior from the subject being observed.

What is the significance of using objective and unambiguous language in defining behavior?

To ensure clarity and agreement among observers about what constitutes the target behavior.

What is the expected outcome of demonstrating a functional relationship in behavior modification?

To show that the environment or treatment caused a change in behavior.

What does 'frequency' refer to in the context of behavior characteristics?

The number of times a behavior occurs.

What is 'latency' in behavior measurement?

The time it takes for a behavior to occur after a specific prompt or event.