PS340 Purdue University Global Unit 7 Exceptional Needs Children Paper
In Unit 7, you examined the use of single-subject designs to structure the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and to evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions. Specific single-subject designs were analyzed and the collection of baseline and intervention data was explored. Baseline and intervention data is used to determine the functional relation between the intervention and the change in the target behavior. The analysis of data was explained with regard to the importance of level, trend, and variability to the determination of treatment effectiveness. Finally, the ethical considerations of utilizing specific single-subject designs with some target behaviors was examined.
- Watch the Unit 7 Lecture. (Read the transcript.)
Discussion:
The reading assignments for Unit 7 present five single-subject designs that can be used in the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs). Using these designs allows the behavior analyst to identify functional relations between interventions and target behaviors. By examining the level, trend, and variability of baseline and intervention data, a determination can be made regarding the effectiveness of the intervention.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB’s) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts guides professional and ethical conduct with regard to your work with clients, as well as with other professionals. These guidelines also point out your responsibility to our science and the reputation of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Review the BACB (2014). Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts: Behavior Analyst Certification Board,® Inc. (BACB®). Retrieved from http://bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/160321-…
Using your knowledge of single-subject designs, the ethical considerations that must be made in the selection of appropriate single-subject designs, and how to determine the effectiveness of interventions, discuss the following:
- Explain the ethical considerations of using a reversal single-subject design when addressing aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
- Differentiate baseline data and intervention data. How can baseline and intervention data allow you to determine intervention effectiveness?
- Analyze the following line graph. Determine the level, trend, and/or variability of the data during baseline and intervention. Contrast the intervention data with the baseline data and determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Discuss the importance of analyzing trend in the determination of effectiveness.
Guided Response Posts:
In your first response to a peer, assess the accuracy of your peer’s interpretation of the graph, “Johnny’s Hitting Behavior.” Did your peer accurately determine the level, trend, and variability? If not, provide the correct interpretation. Provide an explanation of “variability” in graphic displays of data and explain why it is best to wait for data to reach a stable state before implementing a behavior intervention plan (BIP).
In your second response to a peer, provide an example of a target behavior in which it would be appropriate to use a reversal design (provide rationale) and an example of when it would not be appropriate (provide rationale).
