- Applied Behavior Analysis Measurement and Data Collection Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which data measurement system is most appropriate for behaviors that have a clear beginning and end and are discrete?

Answer: Frequency (event) recording

Frequency recording counts each discrete occurrence of a behavior, making it ideal for well-defined behaviors with clear onsets and offsets.

A behavior analyst is measuring compliance with instructions across a 30-minute session. They check at the end of each 1-minute interval whether the learner is complying at that exact moment. This is:

Answer: Momentary time sampling

Momentary time sampling records whether the behavior is occurring at the exact moment of each interval boundary, not at any point throughout the interval.

To calculate the percentage of intervals in which a behavior occurred using interval recording, you would:

Answer: Divide the number of intervals with behavior by total intervals and multiply by 100

Percentage of intervals = (number of intervals with behavior ÷ total number of intervals) × 100.

When graphing behavioral data in ABA, phase change lines are used to:

Answer: Mark the points where experimental conditions change (e.g., baseline to intervention)

Phase change lines visually separate different experimental conditions, making it clear when baselines ended and interventions began.

Which measure of central tendency is most commonly used in ABA to summarize behavioral data within a phase?

Answer: Mean

The mean (average) is most commonly used in ABA to describe the central tendency of behavioral data within a phase on graphs.

Which type of measurement artifact occurs when the observer's behavior changes due to knowing they are being evaluated for IOA?

Answer: Observer reactivity (observer influence)

Observer reactivity (or observer influence) occurs when observers change their behavior (become more careful or biased) because they know they are being monitored for reliability.