PSYC 154 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Dependent And Independent Variables, Barcode, Operational Definition
Document Summary
Chapter 2 notes- observing and recording behavior operational definition- way we define dependent variable behavioral assessment- measurement of target behavior. Decide if problem behavior exists/ treatment is necessary. Subjective sometimes, should have consensus among observers and context/individual"s circumstances is important. Is intervention necessary? or will another strategy work. Measure treatment effects (requires assessment before and after treatment) Need to know if we chose right strategy. Reactivity- level at which observation or intervention itself causes a behavioral change. Want low reactivity, so that results translate into real world when no doctors are watching. Indirect assessment- secondhand, looking at consequences of behavior not behavior itself. Interviews, questionnaires, rating scales, product measurements (shows efficiency and productivity/ outcome of behavior) May be unreliable (depends on memory and honesty) and is bias. Must be done in right context and with right people (self, relatives, friends, etc) Direct assessment-direct observation and recording of the target behavior as it occurs.
