Overview

Behavior analysis requires the use of observable, measurable behavior. Behavior must be measured either continuously or discontinuously. For this assignment, you will need to select a continuous or discontinuous measurement system and describe how you will collect data for the scenario. You will continue to use the behavior you selected in the assignment for Week 2. If you received feedback in that assignment and need to change your behavior, please do so in this assignment. Be sure to provide rationale for your decisions, and use scholarly research to support your decision. Lastly, describe how you would collect IOA for your data.

Scenarios

Review the scenarios provided in the Week 2 assignment if needed.

Scenario 1 – Multiple Baseline Design

Suppose you have three preschool students who engage in disruptive behavior in the classroom. You want to evaluate the use of an antecedent intervention (moving their seats closer to the teacher) to decrease the disruptive behavior. Describe how you would use a multiple baseline across subjects design to evaluate the intervention in this scenario.

Scenario 2 – Withdrawal Design

Rowan walks out of his Math class every day when work is delivered to his desk. The teacher believes that he is exhibiting this behavior to escape academic tasks. How would you use a withdrawal design to determine if, in fact, Rowan is trying to escape the math tasks?

Scenario 3 – Alternative Treatments Design

Susan is trying to develop an exercise routine for herself. She wants to determine if she does better sticking to a routine if she participates regularly in a structured class, or if she exercises alone using equipment she has in the home, like workout videos, weight bench, bicycle, et cetera. How would you use an alternating treatments design to determine which type of exercise routine is most effective for Susan?

Scenario 4 – Changing Criterion Design

Marvin is drinking excessive amounts of caffeine. He has chosen to try to decrease his coffee consumption gradually from eight cups a day down to one cup. He has set a goal date of eight weeks from the start of the plan. How would Marvin use a changing criterion design to help track his progress as he attempts to decrease this caffeine consumption? Each day that Marvin meets his criteria, his partner allows him access to social media for one hour in the evening.

Instructions

Use the Selecting a Measurement System Template [DOCX] to complete the assignment. You should include at least one scholarly or professional resource. Use the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Library Research Guide to find appropriate sources.

Address the following in your submission:

• Summarize the scenario, including the independent variable and dependent variable.
  • This should be the same scenario as the previous assignment. If you received feedback about your summary, the independent variable, or the dependent variable, make those changes here.
• Describe an appropriate measurement system to be used.
  • Be specific (count, frequency, partial interval, et cetera) and be sure to identify if it is a continuous or discontinuous measurement system.
  • Describe how you will collect the data.
• Provide rationale for the measurement system.
  • Ask yourself, "What is it about this behavior and scenario that makes this the right measurement?"
  • Review the "A Proposed Model for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior" article for more details on when to use different measurement systems.
• Describe why IOA is necessary and how it will be collected.
  • Define IOA briefly.
  • How does IOA help us believe our data?
  • Include the IOA equation you will use for the IOA data.

Note: FirstPass, an AI-powered feedback tool, is available to use as you draft this assignment. The FirstPass tool for this assignment is available in the Weekly To Do List and includes directions on how to upload your draft to receive real-time feedback before you submit for a grade.

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Employ academic communication skills that are scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, in a manner consistent with members of the psychology profession. Use current APA guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
• APA formatting: Use current APA style and formatting, paying particular attention to citations and references. Use Academic Writer for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing Center for more APA resources specific to your degree level.
• Length: 2–3 pages, excluding the cover page and references list. Include page numbers, headings, and running heads. No abstract is required.
• References: A minimum of one scholarly or professional resource. Use the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Library Research Guide to find appropriate sources.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:

• Competency 1: Apply knowledge of research methods and designs used in applied behavior analysis.
  • Summarize the scenario, including the independent variable and dependent variable.
  • Describe an appropriate measurement system to be used.
  • Provide rationale for the measurement system.
  • Describe why IOA is necessary and how it will be collected.
• Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Write coherently to support a central idea, with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
  • Successfully implement APA style.