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Field Note 1

SPE 525: Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design

October 15, 2020

Arizona State University

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Module 1 of SPE 525: Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental

Design covered C-1-6 from the BACB Task List (5th ed.) To start, operational definitions of

behavior (C-1) were defined in the Active Student Response. After completing this assignment, I

can identify the key attributes of operational definitions- specific, measurable, observable, and

no mentalistic terms. As a behavior analyst, it is crucial to know this information when

creating/implementing a behavior treatment plan. In this way, the target behavior will be clearly

defined within the operational definition and avoid confusion. Indirect, direct, and permanent

product (C-2) are all types of data collection covered within Module 1. Each method of data

collection may produce different results. Therefore, it is important to determine what exactly you

are looking for before collecting data. Indirect data collection is more like memories of the

behavior. Interviews are one example of indirect data collection. Direct data collection directly

measures the behavior. This type of data can be collected through ABC charts, observations, etc.

Whereas permanent product data collection measures the effect of the behavior, and not the

behavior itself (unlike indirect and direct data collection.)

Both C-3 (measure occurrence) and C-4 (measure temporal dimensions of behavior were

discussed) in module 1. Measure occurrence includes frequency, rate, and percentage. Behaviors

could be measured with any of the methods listed, however, they do vary. C-4 explains duration,

latency, and interresponse time. The key difference between C-3 and C-4 is that C-3’s

measurements are based off the number of times a behavior occurred, whereas C-4 focuses on

the amount of time that behavior occurs.

The cumulative quiz enhanced my understanding of topography and magnitude by

providing various examples. Topography is the shape of the behavior, whereas magnitude is the

intensity of the behavior. It is important to differentiate between the two to construct an

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appropriate behavior plan. As a behavior analyst, we will often have to set criteria for a client’s

target response. This is called trials to criterion (C-6.) I was unfamiliar with the term before this

course. After doing more research, I can pinpoint trials to criterion on a graph and set goals for

my clients.
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References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2014). Professional and ethical compliance

code for behavior analysts [PDF file].

https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170706-compliance-code-

english.pdf

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2017). Fifth edition task list [PDF file].

https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170113-BCBA-BCaBA-task-list-

5th-ed-.pdf

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.).

Pearson.

Ledford J. R. & Gast. D. L. (2018). Single Case Research Methodology (3rd ed.). Routledge.