Behavioral Analysis and Response Definitions

5043 Unit 1: Identifying and Defining Behavior

• The unit covers identifying and defining behavior.
• Instructors are Kristin Myers-Kemp, PhD, BCBA-D; William Carlucci, MS, BCBA-D; and Tânia Watzko, MS, BCBA.
• Contact information for the instructor is provided.

6 Basic Operations of the Science of Behavior Analysis

• G.R.A.D.E.S. is a mnemonic device for remembering the 6 basic operations.
• Graphed Data: An ongoing collection of data charted on different graphical displays, such as a line graph of daily client responses.
• Repeated Measures (Measurement): Collecting data on observed behaviors; sometimes referred to as measurement.
• Analysis & Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data, especially in relation to possible environmental variables.
• Direct Observation: Directly observing behavior and its context in real-world settings.
• Environmental Manipulation: Systematically changing the environment by modifying antecedents and or consequences.
• Systematic Evaluation: Using single-subject designs with individuals serving as their own controls. This is used to determine effective interventions.

Graphed Data

• Graphed data is an ongoing collection of data displayed using graphs.
• A line graph showing the daily percentage of correct client responses is an example.
• A running tally of total acts of aggression is not an example of graphed data

Repeated Measures/Measurement

• Repeated measures involve collecting data on observed behavior.
• Recording the number of client-manded behaviors per day is an example.

ASR Question: 6 Basic Operations

• The image in slide 5 is an example of six basic operations.
• These operations include: Direct Observation, Repeated Measures, Graphed Data, Environmental Manipulations, Systematic Evaluation, and Analysis & Interpretation.

Analysis & Interpretation

• Visual analysis of single-case designs to identify functional relationships between behavior and events, especially environmental events.

Chat ASR: Pragmatism

• Pragmatism is a philosophical concept asserting that the truth of theories or beliefs should be assessed based on empirical success in application.

Case Study with Pragmatism

• Non-example: A teacher assuming a disruptive student will improve if they want to be a good student.
• Example: A behavior analyst helping a student use hand-raising to answer questions instead of calling out, and the teacher implementing this method successfully, resulting in behavioral changes.

Chat ASR: ABA Practice

• Applying behavior analysis principles to assess and improve human behavior.
• Targeting socially significant behaviors.

Target Behavior

• A behavior of interest (response class) defined by its topography or function.
• It can be a "good" or "bad" behavior targeted for acquisition or reduction.
• Examples include hitting and hand washing.

Reasons for Targeting Behavior

• Reasons for targeting behaviors include: Development, Strengthening, Replacement, Weakening, Stimulus Control, Maintenance, and Generalization.

Development

• Skill Deficit: The individual does not perform the behavior at all.
• Performance Issue: The individual performs the behavior inconsistently or does not initiate the behavior.

Strengthening

• The behavior is performed but lacks mastery or proficiency of that behavior.
• It can also be insufficient frequency, or speed.

Replacement

• The undesired behavior is decreased and actively replaced with a more desirable behavior.
• This includes substituting hitting with manding (asking for) for example.

Weakening

• Tossing behaviors targeted to be stopped.
• An example of this is the client washing their hands too often.

Maintenance

• The previous behavior change persists even after the program is over.

Generalization

• A behavior is performed under various situational contexts and or by different people.

Stimulus Control

• A behavior occurs with certain stimuli but not others.
• For instance, a student requesting items only from a teacher or during a specific time.

ASR Question: 7 Reasons To Target Behavior

• If a child can only label brown wooden chairs, this behavior is targeted for generalization.

ASR Question: Outcome

• Obtaining passing grades is considered Hugo’s outcome.

ASR Question: Target Behavior

• Michael going for a walk when he is sad is a target behavior (True).

ASR Question: Outcome

• Getting a driver's license is Charlie's outcome.

ASR Question: Target Behavior

• Changing batteries in the smoke detector every six months is a target behavior (Yes).

Response Cycle

• The beginning, middle, and end of a response.
• Example: a child being asked to come inside, screaming, and stomping feet, but is allowed to play outside for a longer time period.
• Non-example:hitting mom.

Functional Response Definitions

• Defining responses in relation to their occurrence in the presence of particular antecedents or consequences.
• Example: Responding in a way that results in arriving at work.

Topographical Response Definitions

• Defining responses based on physical characteristics, or the form of that behavior.
• Examples include slices of bread with peanut butter spread between slices; and making a lunch.

ASR Question: 6 Basic Operations

• Comparing baseline data to intervention data in a team meeting is a basic operation of analysis and interpretation.

ASR Question: Response Product

• Knitted mittens are a form of a response product (Yes).

ASR Question: Reasons To Target Behavior

• The reason for targeting Emma's lunch packing behavior is maintenance because it isn't occurring frequently enough.

ASR Question: Episode

• Vocal stimming that occurs rapidly and repeatedly is a response defined as an episode.

ASR Question: Reasons To Target Behavior

• A client checking their phone excessively is targeted for weakening.

Open Ended ASR

• To think of some examples of a response product.

ASR Question

• An episode in behavior analysis is a brief period of responding that happens frequently.

ASR Question

• Functional response definitions are responses relating to the occurrence in the presence of antecedents and consequences.

Congratulations

• Message of congratulations for completing the online module. Contact information is included.