Experimental Design and Research Flashcards

What is the defining characteristic of a 'functional analysis' of behavior?

Answer: Systematically manipulating antecedents and consequences to identify the reinforcer(s) maintaining problem behavior

A functional analysis directly manipulates antecedent and consequent conditions to experimentally identify the specific reinforcer(s) maintaining problem behavior.

Which functional behavior assessment (FBA) method involves structured interviews and rating scales without direct observation?

Answer: Indirect assessment

Indirect assessment relies on retrospective reports from caregivers, teachers, or the individual via interviews, questionnaires, or rating scales rather than direct data collection.

A descriptive FBA (e.g., ABC recording) differs from a functional analysis in that it:

Answer: Documents naturally occurring antecedents and consequences without manipulating variables

Descriptive FBA observes and records naturally occurring ABCs without manipulating variables, providing correlational rather than experimental evidence of behavioral function.

In a standard functional analysis, what does an elevated response rate in the 'alone' condition typically suggest?

Answer: The behavior is maintained by automatic (sensory) reinforcement

High rates of behavior in the alone condition (no social stimuli) indicate the behavior produces its own reinforcement (automatic/sensory reinforcement) independent of social consequences.

Which condition in a standard Iwata et al. functional analysis tests whether the behavior is maintained by escape from demands?

Answer: Demand/task condition

The demand (task) condition presents academic or work tasks and delivers brief escape from tasks contingent on problem behavior, testing whether escape is the maintaining consequence.

Social validity assessment in ABA research addresses which three dimensions proposed by Wolf (1978)?

Answer: Goals, procedures, and outcomes

Wolf (1978) proposed that social validity should assess whether the goals, procedures, and outcomes of an intervention are acceptable and meaningful to consumers and society.