Measurement and Data Collection Flashcards

On a standard ABA line graph, what does the x-axis represent?

Answer: Sessions or time sequence

The x-axis (horizontal) displays the sequential order of observations or sessions so that changes over time can be tracked.

A cumulative record differs from a standard equal-interval line graph in that the cumulative record:

Answer: Can never decrease as behaviors are added

Each new occurrence is added to the running total, so the data path can only stay flat or rise, never fall.

The Standard Celeration Chart (SCC) uses what type of y-axis scaling?

Answer: Ratio (logarithmic)

The SCC uses a ratio (log) y-axis so that equal vertical distances represent equal multiplication factors of behavior rate, making acceleration visible.

In visual analysis, 'trend' within a phase refers to:

Answer: The systematic directional change in data across sessions

Trend describes whether data are systematically increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable (zero trend) within a phase.

Which set of features is evaluated when conducting within-phase data analysis?

Answer: Level, trend, and variability

Within-phase analysis examines the central level (mean or median), the trend direction, and the degree of variability among data points.

A behavior analyst observes a steadily increasing trend in baseline data. Why is this problematic when planning an intervention?

Answer: The behavior may improve on its own without intervention, threatening internal validity

An upward baseline trend means the behavior is already changing, making it difficult to attribute subsequent improvement to the intervention.

In visual analysis of a behavior change graph, 'immediacy of effect' refers to:

Answer: How rapidly and abruptly data change at the point of phase transition

Immediacy of effect evaluates how quickly behavior changes at the phase change point; a sharp, immediate shift strengthens the inference of a causal relationship.