PSYB45H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 22: Data Analysis
Document Summary
General goal of a behaviour modification research project: to demonstrate convincingly that it is the treatment, rather than some uncontrolled variable(s), that was responsible for the change in the target behaviour. Until a stable pattern is seen, or there is a trend in the opposite direction of what the treatment should produce. Differences from other areas of psychology: data from behaviour modification research usually does not include control groups. Focus on single-case designs: use of visual inspection of graphs, not necessarily statistical techniques, focus on behaviour of individuals, not group-level means and findings. Two basic criteria on which treatments are evaluated: scientific & practical. Practical considerations: clinical effectiveness or social importance, social validity. Example of a behaviour modification study self-administered behaviour modification of nail biting. A minimal behaviour modification program does not allow us to conclude whether or not this has occurred.
