One of the hallmarks of any scientific endeavor is measurement. Chemistry, biology, architecture, engineering, and physics are just a few of the sciences that rely on the ability to quantify and to measure observations so changes can be analyzed and evaluated.
Measurement may seem like a straightforward endeavor when dealing with most sciences, but how well does this transfer to behavioral sciences? How is something like behavior measured, and how effective are attempts at measurement?
For this Discussion, you will examine how behavior can be defined and measured. You will consider a behavior that you regularly observe, and you will develop a definition for that behavior. You will also identify a procedure that can be used to measure that behavior
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media programs, to develop an understanding of defining and measuring behavior.
- Consider a personal behavior you experience on a daily basis
- Post your response to the following:
- Write a description of how you operationally define the behavior you chose.
- Include a description of a time-sampling procedure to measure that behavior.
Resources
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 3, “Selecting and Defining Target Behaviors” (pp. 48–72)
- Chapter 4, “Measuring Behavior” (pp. 73–100)
- Chapter 6, “Constructing and Interpreting Graphic Displays” (pp. 124–154)
- Bakeman, R., & Quera, V. (2012). Behavioral observationLinks to an external site.. In H. Cooper, P. M. Camic, D. L. Long, A. T. Panter, D. Rindskopf, & K. J. Sher, (Eds), APA handbook of research methods in psychology, Vol 1: Foundations, planning, measures, and psychometrics (pp. 207-225). Washington: American Psychological Association.
- Volpe, R. J., DiPerna, J. C., Hintze, J. M., & Shapiro, E. S. (2005). Observing students in classroom settings: A review of seven coding schemesLinks to an external site.. School Psychology Review, 34 , 454–474.