PS561 Unit 4 Discussion
Measurement Applications & Graphing Data
For this discussion, you will practice the skills of creating operational definitions, selecting appropriate data collection methods for a given behavior, considering reliability and validity of your measurement, and creating a graphical representation of data. This is a great opportunity to integrate the knowledge you have gained so far in the course.
Begin by selecting one of the case studies below, and provide information related to the case in your response. Be sure to identify either Case Study A or Case Study B in the title of your main post.
Case Study A
Tyler is a 15-year-old who attends high school as a freshman. The teachers report that Tyler often engages in vocal stereotypy, or "scripting" during school. He often verbalizes things that he hears on YouTube or from his favorite television program. His mother worries about the scripting; it appears to have an effect on Tyler's schoolwork since he cannot always complete his classwork by the end of the period. On such occasions, Tyler is told to complete his classwork for homework that evening. Tyler's mother notes that when classwork is brought home, it takes him a while to complete it due to his scripting behavior. The goal for Tyler is to increase his time on task so that he is able to complete and turn in his assignments in a timely manner.
Case Study B
Sarina is a 6-year-old who engages in task refusal behavior and physical aggression. These behaviors are evident both at home and at school. Frequently, when given a direction to complete a task, Sarina will refuse to cooperate, shouting things such as "No!" or "I do not feel like doing that." When her parents or staff attempt to redirect her task refusal, she will become physically aggressive and attempt to hit or kick others. She has also been observed throwing objects and destroying property when she gets upset under these circumstances. Sarina's aggressive behavior has caused minor injuries to both classmates and her younger brother. The goal for Sarina is to increase her functional communication skills and her cooperation with engaging in tasks.
Please respond to the following:
- Identify the dependent variable(s) in the case.
- What method(s) of data collection would be most appropriate to measure the behavior defined in the scenario?
- Provide a rationale for why the chosen method(s) of data collection would be most appropriate.
- What, if any, limitation does this data collection method have?
- How would you account for reliability and validity of your measurement procedures?
- Create a set of hypothetical data (using 8–10 data points) to align with the scenario, and create a basic graphical representation using Microsoft Excel that aligns with ABA conventions for one set of behavioral data.
Save your graph as a PDF document and attach it to your discussion post. Please be sure to review the Creating a Basic ABA Line Graph tutorial video resource from your readings to help you create your graph.
Review two of your classmates' responses, using the following ideas as a guide:
- Responses should address both case studies; therefore, choose an "A" for one response and a "B" for the other.
- Do you agree with the method of data collection for the behaviors noted in the case study? Why or why not?
- What feedback can you provide for the graph? Consider any constructive feedback regarding ABA conventions.
- Ask at least one thoughtful follow-up question.