BCABA Experimental Design and Research Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which design is most appropriate when reversing a behavior would be harmful or unethical?
- Reversal (ABAB) design
- Multiple baseline design (Correct answer)
- Changing criterion design
- Alternating treatments design
Correct answer: Multiple baseline design
The multiple baseline design avoids withdrawing treatment, making it suitable when reversal of adaptive behavior would be harmful.
Question 2: A stable baseline in single-subject research is one that shows:
- An upward trend
- Minimal variability and no systematic trend in the undesired direction (Correct answer)
- High variability
- A downward trend toward zero
Correct answer: Minimal variability and no systematic trend in the undesired direction
A stable baseline provides a reliable prediction of future behavior without intervention, typically showing consistent level and little variability.
Question 3: Parametric research in ABA examines:
- Whether a treatment works
- How different values (intensities/quantities) of an independent variable affect behavior (Correct answer)
- Participant demographics
- The statistical power of a design
Correct answer: How different values (intensities/quantities) of an independent variable affect behavior
Parametric analysis systematically varies the quantity or intensity of an independent variable to determine the optimal level for producing behavior change.
Question 4: Treatment integrity (procedural fidelity) refers to:
- IOA between observers
- The degree to which the independent variable is implemented as planned (Correct answer)
- Baseline stability
- Social validity ratings
Correct answer: The degree to which the independent variable is implemented as planned
Treatment integrity measures how accurately and consistently the intervention procedures are carried out as described.
Question 5: In ABA, the dependent variable is:
- The reinforcer delivered
- The behavior being measured and targeted for change (Correct answer)
- The experimental design selected
- The IOA calculation
Correct answer: The behavior being measured and targeted for change
The dependent variable is the behavior (or outcome measure) whose change is attributed to manipulation of the independent variable.
Question 6: Component analysis is used in research to:
- Test generalization across environments
- Identify which specific elements of a treatment package are responsible for behavior change (Correct answer)
- Establish baseline stability
- Compare two full interventions
Correct answer: Identify which specific elements of a treatment package are responsible for behavior change
Component analysis isolates individual elements of an intervention package to determine which components are active and necessary.
BCABA Experimental Design and Research Methods 3
Which design is most appropriate when reversing a behavior would be harmful or unethical?