SOCSCI 2UA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Applied Behavior Analysis, Scientific Method, No Trend

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Social Sciences
• Course: SOCSCI 2UA3
• Professor: Catherine McHugh

Document Summary

Experimental analysis of behaviour: a scientific method designed to discover the functional relation between behaviour and the variables that control it. Behaviour assessment: develop and use rigorous observational, measurement and recording systems, use the information to make scientifically and ethically sound decisions, contribute toward your becoming a successful, effective and efficient agent of behaviour change. What is measurement: assigning numbers and units to features of objects or events, direct and frequent measurement is the foundation of applied behaviour analysis, we use measurement to detect and compare the effects of environmental events on behaviour. Characteristics of a good measurement system: sensitive reflect subtle changes in target response, reliable stable, consistent results, valid gauges what it claims to measure. Valid measures: reactivity: the way the assessment procedures themselves influence the clients behaviour, adaption: a period of time that allows reactivity to subside. Stepping on a scale: 150 lbs one time then, 145 lbs next time: treatment integrity/fidelity/adherence, treatment drift.