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Summary

This video delves into measurement procedures in applied behavior analysis, focusing on continuous and discontinuous methods. It explains frequency, rate, duration, and percentage for continuous measurement, and partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sampling, and permanent products for discontinuous measurement. The script also covers inter-observer agreement (IOA) for data reliability, the importance of graphing behavior over time for intervention decisions, and the practical aspects of data collection and session management.

Takeaways

• 📈 Continuous measurement in ABA involves recording every instance of behavior, such as frequency, rate, duration, and percent, and is the most accurate but resource-intensive method.
• 🔍 Discontinuous measurement includes partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sampling, and permanent products, which are less resource-intensive but may compromise data accuracy.
• 📚 Frequency is used to measure behavior when the observation window is consistent, while rate is used when it is not.
• ⏱ Duration measures the time a behavior occurs and is better for behaviors lasting more than a minute, like tantrums.
• 🔢 Percentage is used for behaviors that occur in response to a specific stimulus or opportunity and is calculated by dividing occurrences by opportunities and multiplying by 100.
• 📊 Partial interval recording counts behavior if it occurs at any point during an interval, which can overestimate behavior frequency.
• 📐 Whole interval recording requires the behavior to occur throughout the entire interval to be counted, which can underestimate behavior frequency.
• 🕒 Momentary time sampling checks for behavior occurrence at the end of an interval, suitable for high-rate behaviors in a multitasking environment.
• 🏗 Permanent product measurement involves counting or saving the products of behavior, useful for behaviors that produce consistent products regularly.
• 🤝 Inter-observer agreement (IOA) is a tool to evaluate data reliability by comparing results from two individuals observing the same behavior.
• 📊 Graphing behavior data over time helps in making decisions about interventions, showing whether the targeted behavior is increasing or decreasing as desired.

Q & A

What are the two types of measurement procedures discussed in the video?

The two types of measurement procedures discussed are continuous and discontinuous.

What does continuous measurement involve?

Continuous measurement involves recording every instance of behavior during an observation period, which is resource-intensive but provides the most accurate data.

What are the common types of continuous measurement procedures mentioned in the video?

The common types of continuous measurement procedures mentioned are frequency, rate, duration, and percentage.

How is frequency different from rate in the context of measuring behavior?

Frequency is used when the observation window is consistent, while rate is used when it is not. Frequency is expressed as a count, and rate is expressed per unit of time.

What is duration as a measurement procedure, and when is it preferred?

Duration is the time during which a behavior occurs, expressed in units of time. It is preferred for behaviors that last more than a minute, such as tantrums or meltdowns.

How is percentage used to measure problem behavior?

Percentage is used for behaviors that are bound by a certain stimulus or opportunity. It is calculated by dividing the number of times the behavior occurred by the total number of opportunities and multiplying by one hundred.

What is discontinuous measurement, and why is it used?

Discontinuous measurement involves taking data on behavior only some of the time, allowing the data collector to multitask but compromising some accuracy. It is used for efficiency.

What are the common types of discontinuous measurement procedures discussed in the video?

The common types of discontinuous measurement procedures discussed are partial interval recording, whole interval recording, momentary time sampling, and permanent products.

How does partial interval recording differ from whole interval recording?

In partial interval recording, the behavior only needs to occur for part of the interval to be counted, while in whole interval recording, the behavior must occur for the entire interval.

What is momentary time sampling, and how does it work?

Momentary time sampling involves checking whether behavior is happening at the end of an interval without noting if it occurred during the interval. It is recorded as a plus if the behavior is occurring at that moment or a minus if it is not.

What is a permanent product in measurement procedures?

A permanent product is a measurement procedure where the products of the behavior are counted or saved. It is used for behaviors that produce consistent products regularly.

What is inter-observer agreement (IOA), and why is it important?

Inter-observer agreement (IOA) is a tool used to evaluate the data's reliability by comparing the results of two individuals observing the same behavior. It helps determine the believability of the data.

How is IOA calculated, and what does it indicate?

IOA is calculated by dividing the smaller number of observations by the larger number and multiplying by 100. A higher percentage indicates greater agreement and thus more reliable data.

Why is graphing behavior data over time important in applied behavior analysis?

Graphing behavior data over time helps visualize the effectiveness of interventions and allows for decisions about whether the targeted behavior is increasing or decreasing as desired.

What are some organizational and multitasking tips for a behavior technician?

Behavior technicians should ensure all materials for data collection are nearby and easy to use, touch base with the family to understand setting events, review behavior intervention plans, and start each session with a preference assessment.

Outlines

00:00

📊 Continuous and Discontinuous Measurement in ABA

This paragraph introduces measurement procedures in applied behavior analysis (ABA), focusing on continuous and discontinuous methods. Continuous measurement involves recording every instance of behavior during an observation period, which is resource-intensive but highly accurate. It includes frequency, rate, duration, and percentage. Discontinuous measurement, on the other hand, records behavior only at certain times, allowing for multitasking but with less accuracy. This category includes partial and whole interval recording, momentary time sampling, and permanent products. The paragraph also explains the concepts of observation window, frequency, rate, duration, and percentage in the context of behavior measurement.

05:01

🔍 Understanding Discontinuous Measurement and IOA in ABA

The second paragraph delves deeper into discontinuous measurement techniques, explaining partial interval recording, whole interval recording, and momentary time sampling. It highlights the pros and cons of each method, such as the potential for overestimation or underestimation of behavior. The paragraph also introduces the concept of permanent products, which involve counting or saving the consistent products of behavior. Furthermore, it discusses the importance of inter-observer agreement (IOA) as a tool to evaluate the reliability of collected data by comparing results from two observers. The process of calculating IOA and its significance in ensuring the credibility of behavioral data is also covered.

10:02

📈 Graphing Behavior Data and Session Management in ABA

The final paragraph discusses the importance of graphing behavior data over time to visualize changes and inform intervention decisions. It emphasizes the role of a behavior technician in taking data, graphing it, and presenting it to behavior specialists for analysis. The paragraph also provides insights into session management, including the organization of materials, understanding client motivation, and planning sessions based on previous sessions' outcomes. It advises on conducting preference assessments, maintaining rapport, and ensuring sessions are engaging and tailored to the client's needs.

Keywords

💡Measurement Procedures

Measurement procedures in the context of the video refer to the systematic methods used in applied behavior analysis to quantify and analyze behaviors. They are essential for understanding and modifying behavior patterns. The video discusses two main types: continuous and discontinuous, each with its own set of methods like frequency, rate, duration, and percent for continuous measurement, and partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sampling, and permanent products for discontinuous measurement.

💡Continuous Measurement

Continuous measurement is a method that involves recording every instance of behavior during an observation period. It is considered the most accurate but also the most resource-intensive. The video explains that it includes techniques such as frequency, rate, and duration, which are used to measure how often, how quickly, and for how long a behavior occurs. For example, frequency might be used to count the number of screams in a session, while duration measures the length of time a behavior like a tantrum lasts.

💡Discontinuous Measurement

Discontinuous measurement is a less resource-intensive approach that involves taking data on a behavior only some of the time. This method allows for multitasking but may compromise the accuracy of the data. The video outlines different discontinuous measurement techniques such as partial interval recording, whole interval recording, momentary time sampling, and permanent products, each with its own way of capturing behavioral data at intervals or based on the presence of a behavior at specific moments.

💡Frequency

Frequency in the video is defined as the count of a behavior and is related to the observation window, which is the duration of time the behavior is observed and recorded. It is used when the observation window is consistent. An example from the script is stating that a client screamed at a frequency of three times during a two-hour session.

💡Rate

Rate is another continuous measurement technique used when the observation window is not consistent. It is the frequency of behavior adjusted for time, helping to compare behaviors across different observation periods. The script illustrates this by explaining that if three screams occurred during a two-hour session, the rate would be 1.5 times per hour.

💡Duration

Duration measures the length of time a behavior occurs and is expressed in units of time such as seconds, minutes, or hours. The video suggests that duration is a better measure for behaviors that last more than a minute, like tantrums or meltdowns, and can be used to record either the duration of each event or the total duration for the session.

💡Percent

Percent is used to measure behaviors that are bound by a certain stimulus or opportunity. It involves defining an opportunity and then measuring how many times the behavior occurs when the opportunity is presented. The script provides an example where non-compliance is measured as a percentage of the times an instruction is presented and the client fails to comply.

💡Partial Interval Recording

Partial interval recording is a discontinuous measurement technique where the observation period is divided into smaller intervals, and it is recorded whether the behavior occurred at any time during that interval. The video explains that the behavior only needs to occur for part of the interval to be counted, which can lead to an overestimation of the behavior.

💡Whole Interval Recording

Whole interval recording is another discontinuous measurement technique where the behavior must occur for the entire interval to be counted. This method can lead to an underestimation of the behavior since it only records a plus if the behavior occurs throughout the entire interval, as explained in the video.

💡Momentary Time Sampling

Momentary time sampling involves checking whether a behavior is happening at the end of an interval without noting the behavior's occurrence during the interval itself. The video provides examples such as a teacher recording whether a student is writing at the end of each 5-minute interval, which is a less resource-intensive form of data collection.

💡Permanent Products

Permanent products is a measurement procedure that involves counting or saving the products of a behavior. The video clarifies that behaviors measured this way must produce consistent products regularly. Examples given include counting the number of toys thrown during a tantrum or the number of pencils broken during a writing assignment.

💡Inter Observer Agreement (IOA)

Inter Observer Agreement, or IOA, is a tool used to evaluate the reliability of data collected by different observers. The video explains that it involves two individuals taking data on the same behavior and then comparing the results. A high IOA percentage indicates that the data is more trustworthy and reliable. The script provides a calculation example where an IOA of 83 percent is obtained by dividing the smaller count by the larger and multiplying by 100.

💡Graphing Data

Graphing data is a method to visually represent behavior changes over time, which is crucial for making informed decisions about interventions. The video emphasizes the importance of graphing data with time on the x-axis and behavior on the y-axis, allowing for the observation of trends such as increasing or decreasing behaviors.

Highlights

Review of measurement procedures in applied behavior analysis

Introduction to two types of measurement procedures: continuous and discontinuous

Continuous measurement includes frequency, rate, duration, and percent

Discontinuous measurement includes partial and whole interval recording, momentary time sampling, and permanent products

Continuous measurement records every instance of behavior during an observation period

Frequency is used for consistent observation windows, while rate is used for inconsistent ones

Duration measures the time during which a behavior occurs

Percentage measures behavior occurrences relative to a defined opportunity

Discontinuous measurement allows for multitasking but may compromise data accuracy

Partial interval recording marks an interval if the behavior occurs at any point

Whole interval recording requires the behavior to occur throughout the entire interval

Momentary time sampling checks for behavior occurrence at specific interval ends

Permanent products measure behavior by counting consistent outcomes

Inter-observer agreement (IOA) evaluates data reliability by comparing observations from two individuals

Graphing behavior data over time helps in decision-making for interventions

Behavior technicians may need to take data and graph it for behavior specialists to analyze

Organization and multi-tasking are key for effective data collection and program running

Materials for data collection should be prepared and accessible before a session

Understanding setting events can influence client motivation and session planning

Preference assessments help maintain high motivation and engagement during sessions

The video concludes with a summary of measurement procedures in applied behavior analysis

Transcripts

hello and welcome back in this next

video we will review measurement

procedures commonly used in applied

behavior analysis

in this video we will review two types

of measurement procedures

continuous and discontinuous continuous

measurement

procedures include frequency rate

duration and percent discontinuous

measurements

include partial and whole interval

recording

momentary time sampling and

permanent products continuous

measurement

involves recording every instance of

behavior during an

observation period this is resource

intensive but the most

accurate way to get information on a

behavior over the next few slides we

will cover the most common types of

continuous measurement procedures

one of the most common ways to measure

problem behavior is by frequency or rate

this involves taking the count for

behavior and relating it to the

observation window

the observation window is the duration

of time that you observed and recorded

the data

on the behavior frequency is used when

the observation window is consistent

and rate is used when it is not

frequency is expressed in terms of the

count

for example after recording three

screams during a session

you could say that the client screamed

at a frequency of three times during a

two hour session or at a rate of

1.5 times per hour duration is the time

during which a behavior occurs

this form of measurement is expressed in

a unit of time

such as seconds minutes or hours

behavior technicians measure either the

duration of each event

or the total duration for the session

total duration can be used when detailed

event recording is not needed

and the session time is consistent

duration is a better measure than

frequency for behaviors that last more

than a minute

such as tantrums or meltdowns

percentage can be used for problem

behaviors that are bound by a certain

stimulus or opportunity

when we measure percentage with regard

to problem behavior

we clearly define an opportunity and

then we measure how many times the

behavior occurs when the opportunity is

presented

percentage is calculated by dividing the

number of times the behavior

occurred by the total number of

opportunities

and multiplying by one hundred for

example

non-compliance can only occur when an

instruction

is presented if a behavior technician

presents

10 instructions and the client engages

in non-compliance

8 out of 10 times then the percentage

for non-compliance is 80

discontinuous measurement involves

taking data on a behavior only

some of the time this allows for the

data collector to multitask

but compromises some of the accuracy of

the data

over the next few slides we will cover

the most common types of discontinuous

measurement

procedures partial interval data

involves dividing the observation period

up into smaller

intervals and then recording whether or

not the behavior occurred at any time

during that

interval in partial interval recording

the target behavior

only needs to occur for part of the

interval for it to count as an

occurrence

a plus in an interval as shown here on

this slide indicates

that the behavior occurred during any

part of that interval

and a minus indicates that it did not

occur at all

that means that we are recording one

plus for an interval

whether the behavior happens one time or

100 times

which can tend to overestimate behavior

whole

interval data involves dividing an

observation period up into smaller

intervals and then recording whether or

not the behavior occurred during that

entire interval in whole interval data

the target behavior needs to occur for

the whole

interval for it to count as an

occurrence when recording whole interval

data a plus in an interval as shown here

on this slide

indicates that the behavior occurred for

the entire interval

and a minus indicates that it only

occurred for part of that interval

or not at all that means that we are

recording a minus

for behavior even if it occurred for

most of the interval

which can tend to underestimate behavior

momentary time sampling

involves checking whether behavior is

happening or not at the end of an

interval

whether the behavior happens or not

during the interval

is not noted a teacher recording whether

or not

a client is writing at the end of each

5-minute interval

and a behavior technician recording

whether or not a client is engaging in

stereotyping

at the end of each 60 minute interval

are both examples of

momentary time sampling they record a

plus if the behavior is occurring at

that moment

and a minus if it is not in these

examples

the teacher only needs to look up and

record data on writing

once every five minutes and the

technician only needs to observe and

record data

on the stereotyping once every 60

minutes

this is a less resource intensive form

of data collection

than partial and whole interval data and

is best used for high rate behaviors in

a busy environment where the person

recording data

must multitask since we only record data

on a behavior

in a specific moment at regular

intervals

this type of data can both under and

overestimate

a behavior permanent product is a

measurement procedure that involves

counting or saving products of the

behavior

behaviors measured by permanent products

must produce

consistent products on a regular basis

if a behavior technician for example

counts the number of toys on the floor

after a tantrum behavior that includes

throwing toys off of the shelves

they are using permanent product

recording

other examples include a parent counting

the number of pages ripped after work

refusal

and property destruction and a teacher

counting the number of pencils broken

during a writing assignment in the

classroom

now that we understand the most common

ways to measure behavior

in applied behavior analysis we will

talk about a powerful tool we have

called

inter observer agreement or ioa

this tool helps us to evaluate our data

so

we know how much we can trust it enter

observer agreement or

ioa involves two individuals taking data

on the same event or occurrence of

behavior and then comparing the results

this is a way to calculate the

believability of your data

if both of you and another individual

get the same results

then your data is more believable there

are many types of

ioa but the most common type involves

dividing the smaller number by the

larger number and then multiplying by

100.

say for example sally and i observe a

client from 10 to 10 30

and record data on aggression during

that time

if i record 5 occurrences of aggression

and sally record 6 then we would divide

5

by 6 and multiply by 100 to get

an ioa of 83 percent once we record data

and determine we can trust it it's

important to graph the behavior over

time to help make decisions

about our interventions if we are

targeting a behavior for reduction

then we want to see that behavior is

decreasing over time

if we are targeting new skills then we

want to see that behavior

increasing over time graphing our data

is a great way to visually see if we are

having the desired effect on our target

behaviors

when we graph behavior data the x-axis

is always some measure of time and the

y-axis is always some measure of

behavior

here are two examples of behavior graphs

you might see

in these examples we see that both

behaviors are decreasing over time

as a behavior technician your role may

be to take data on target behaviors and

graph that data at the end of each

session

so that the behavior specialist can make

decisions about the interventions and

programs for that client

on a final note taking data and running

programs during a session with the

client

can involve a lot of organization and

multi-tasking skills

prior to the start of your session make

sure all materials needed for data

collection

are nearby and easy to use these

materials may include

paper and pencil specific data sheets

tablets or computers

timers and click counters you'll also

want to make sure that these items are

not easy for the client to access during

the session

before even starting the session you

will want to touch base with the family

and determine what setting events are in

effect

this will help you determine motivation

and how much effort your client might be

able to put in for the day

if they did not sleep well the previous

night they might need higher rates of

reinforcement during the session

or it might be a good day to focus more

on generalization

at the start of each session you will

need to check to see how the previous

session went

and look for particular skills that were

missed or that need more work

so that you can plan to start with those

programs

based on that you will develop a loose

plan for the day

be sure to intersperse easy with hard

skills

and plan to complete more difficult

skills earlier on in the session when

motivation is higher

you will also need to review the

behavior intervention plans for that

client

to make sure you know what to look for

and how to respond consistently

should problem behavior occur it's also

good practice to start every session

with a preference

assessment spend some time observing or

interacting with the client to establish

your attention as a reinforcer

during the session you'll want to keep

your programs fun and engaging

and take some time to build and maintain

rapport with your clients

it's good practice to conduct frequent

preference assessments to ensure you are

maintaining

high motivation that concludes our video

on measurement procedures

please exit this video and return to

your course to complete the next

assignments