LeBlanc 2016

Article Overview

  • Title: A Proposed Model for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior

  • Authors: Linda A. LeBlanc, Paige B. Raetz, Tyra P. Sellers, James E. Carr

  • Published: 13 October 2015

  • Fields: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Importance of Measurement in ABA

  • Critical Aspect: Measurement of problem behavior impacts intervention effectiveness.

  • Choice of Procedures: Not all measurement procedures suit every problem behavior.

  • Evidence-Based: Effective measurement guides intervention decisions (e.g., when to change interventions).

Decision-Making Models

  • Need for Integrated Model: Existing literature lacks a comprehensive model for selecting measurement procedures.

  • Clinical Decision-Making Models: Outlined procedures for selecting interventions based on context and behavior characteristics.

  • Literature Contributions: Previous models (e.g., Fiske & Delmolino, 2012) address some measures without full integration of all relevant considerations.

Development of a New Model

  • Model Purpose: Provide a systematic approach to select measurement procedures in real-world practice.

  • Guidelines: Developed from existing literature to enforce best practices in behavior measurement.

Measurement Procedures Overview

Common Measurement Procedures:

  1. Event Recording

    • Description: Record frequency of behavior during observation.

    • Strengths: Direct measures of behavior; effective for observable behaviors.

    • Limitations: Requires constant vigilance; impractical for high-frequency behaviors.

  2. Duration Recording

    • Description: Measure amount of time behavior occurs.

    • Strengths: Provides total and mean duration; useful for behaviors relevant in duration.

    • Limitations: Requires timing devices; constant monitoring needed.

  3. Latency Recording

    • Description: Measure time taken for behavior to occur following a stimulus.

    • Strengths: Offers insights into task aversiveness and temporal relation.

    • Limitations: Requires vigilance and a timing device.

  4. Intensity Recording

    • Description: Measure the intensity (e.g., force, volume) of behavior.

    • Strengths: Direct measures; automated options available.

    • Limitations: Requires valid measurement tools; constant monitoring.

  5. Permanent-Product Recording

    • Description: Measure by effects of behavior on the environment.

    • Strengths: Useful when direct observation is impractical.

    • Limitations: Indirect assessment; product must exclusively arise from the behavior.

  6. Partial-Interval Recording

    • Description: Document behavior occurrences during time intervals.

    • Strengths: Reduces need for constant vigilance.

    • Limitations: Generates estimates; often overestimates behavior levels.

  7. Momentary Time Sampling

    • Description: Measure behavior occurrence at specific moments.

    • Strengths: Allows concurrent measurement for many behaviors; reduces demands for constant observation.

    • Limitations: Results in estimates; unsuitable for low-frequency behaviors.

Case Example: Joey

  • Scenario: A class observation detailing Joey's off-task and disruptive behaviors.

  • Measurements Used: The decision-making model guided selection of event recording for disruptive behaviors and momentary time sampling for off-task occurrences.

Conclusion

  • Critical Evaluation: The outlined model is beneficial for behavior analysts in selecting measurement procedures based on specific clinical contexts and behavior characteristics.

  • Future Research Needed: The model requires empirical testing to validate its effectiveness in measurement decision-making relative to previous practices.