David Bowie we have to talk

So I talk a big game about behavior analysis and why is so important but I have forgotten to discuss the most crucial part of ABA: MEASUREMENT!!!

I have not discussed how we transfer an observable behavior into a data point. When I first started working in ABA I was taken aback by the fact that a BCBA could come up with such a clear definition of a behavior that allowed us BT's to know exactly when to record data. I studied psychology in undergrad and my professors made behavior out to be this trait that only humans had where there was no explaining it. Behavior is something humans do therefore they are the far superior beings on this planet. Move over Freud's Theory of the Human Psyche- Skinner got behavior on lock down. 

So how do you measure behavior?

There are three dimensional quantities of behavior

1. Countability: behaviors that can be counted
2. Temporal extent: how long a behavior lasts 
3. Temporal locus: when a behavior occurs 

Depending on what your target behavior is you pick one of these three properties to measure. Next you pick your type of measurement.

There are two classes of measurements

1. Continuous Measurement: records every instance of behavior (no alterations to the raw data).
2. Discontinuous Measurement: records only a sample of the behavior 

Finally you pick from the two classes the measure you will use to record your data:

Types of Continuous Measurement

1. Rate: the number of responses in a given time 
2. Locus: when and where the behavior occurs
3. Latency: elapsed time between onset of a specified stimulus and the onset of a response
4. Duration: the total amount of a time a behavior occurs 
5. Inter-Response Time: elapse time between the end of a response and the onset of another
6. Magnitude: the force of the behavior
7. Topography: physical form of the behavior 

Types of Discontinuous Measurement

1. Percent Correct: the amount of responses correct divided by the total number of responses 
2. Trials to Criterion: number of trials it took to meet performance criterion
3. Time Sampling: (partial, whole, and momentary) recording whether a behavior occurred during each trial or not

Confusing? Practical example time!!!

Direct

Rate: the number of times I say "dude" in one hour 

Duration: the amount of time I spent binge watching Law and Order SVU on Netflix *dun dun* 

Latency: how long did it take for me to answer your question about the Patriots game last week (the amount of time once you finished asking your question and me speaking). 

Inter-Response Time: You ask me to list 50 colors (the amount of time between each color response- I am partial to mac and cheese yellow)

Magnitude: how hard I would punch someone in the arm for spoiling the next season of Game of Thrones. 

Topography: how my happy dance looks (huge smile, arms extended towards the ceiling in alternating fist pump motion, legs are bending and stretching, and head is moving side to side). 

Locus: my car while driving is where I sing my heart (Adele always wants me to sing back up in Lola the Corolla).

Indirect

Percent Correct: I got 95% correct on a Buzzfeed quiz about Harry Potter trivia (Hufflepuff for Life)

Trials-to-Criterion: It took my boyfriend 4 games of Mario Party to beat me at 1st prize (no one beats Luigi- no one). 

Time Sampling: During an episode of Girls I rolled my eyes 26 out of the 30 1min intervals (too much hipster language for me). 

So remember we are never under pressure- we are under measure!!!

The Clowder of Cats Contingencies

Weird title, yes? I have heard over and over in schools that maintaining order in a classroom is like herding cats. Just imagine that for a minute: cats going every which direction and one poor individual to try to group them all together. How do you get them to comply AND learn?

Teachers I get where you are coming from! It is extremely hard to see 100+ students a day who you are responsible to teach and keep engaged in the material. You are expected to follow a lesson plan, remember every accommodation for students who need them, grade all of their work, stay in contact with the families, attend staff trainings....etc etc etc.

The last thing a teacher would want to do is to have a BCBA come in a say "Hey we are going to start to take data on the classes behavior." Now before you flip the table let me explain why and how simple it can be done.

GROUP CONTINGENCIES Y'ALL

What is a group contingency?
When reinforcement is provided for a group based on one or more of the groups responding.

Are there different types of group contingencies?
There are three types all have different protocol for the group to receive reinforcement:

• Independent Group Contingency: reinforcement is available for the whole group but is provided only to those who respond. 
• Interdependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on responding of the entire class (if everyone does it we all get a prize). 
• Dependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on the responding of one member of the group or a select group within the class.

Cool Meghan you just gave me a bunch of jargon, how does this apply to running a classroom?

Its time for a practical example

Target Behavior: you want to increase weekly test scores. 

Reinforcement: the class will not be given homework over the weekend (negative reinforcement)

Here's how each group contingency would provide reinforcement:

Independent: for each student who gets an 80% or above on the weeks test, they will not be given homework. Any student who has 79% or below will be assigned homework. 

Dependent: After the tests are scored the teacher will pick a test at random and if it has a score of 80% or above the class will not receive homework over the weekend. 

Interdependent: if everyone in the class scores 80% or above the whole class will not have homework over the weekend. Although if one member of the class receives a grade of 79% or below the entire class will be assigned homework. 

What else should I consider if I want to run a group contingency?

If using a dependent or interdependent group contingency make sure to put in safe guards for the student. Remember the entire class is counting on one person or a small group of people to get their reinforcement. If that student does not meet the criteria and the class losses out on reinforcement (no homework on the weekend) they could be socially punished by their peers. 

Here are some of the ways to ensure that this isn't punishing:

- Have a TA grade the tests and select one at random and put the grade on your desk (no name provided)

- Write down all of the grades on post-its, fold them up and put them in a hat. Have a student pick a piece of paper and reveal the grade. 

Also make sure that your target behavior is reasonable for the entire class. Your data will reflect if any student is repeatedly losing the opportunity for reinforcement. 

Lastly, make this fun for your students! With the right group contingency, clearly written protocol, and ethical considerations this is an easier/effective way to effect group responding. 

Now, who is excited about group contingencies?

Crunch Time

I officially have 17 days until I take the BACB exam. Which means I have turned into huge ball of stress. I have given up on meeting mastery criteria for the BDS Modules and strictly been working on SAFMEDS (Say All Fast a Minute Each Day Shuffled) and The White Book (Cooper, Howard, and Hewitt- you know whats up).  The last few weeks are going to focus on:

Ethics: one of the hardest parts of the exam due to the scenario questions and all of the components to the right to effective treatment.
Single Subject Research Designs: baseline logic, advantages/disadvantages, and when appropriate to use a design.
Teaching Procedures: history and criteria for each procedure (Personalized System of Instruction, Direct Instruction, Incidental Teaching, and Discrete Trial Training).
Motivating Operations: value and behavior altering, examples

Let's hope this is the only time I have to take this exam.

In other news here is my bucket list for November:

• Take the BACB exam
• Increase motivation for exercising 
• Reinforcement contingency for healthy eating 
• Make a bunch of Christmas presents (pictures coming soon)
• Plan fun autumn activities

Posts coming soon to help me review!