Graduation Year

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Andrew Samaha, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Kimberly Crosland, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Sarah Bloom, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Keywords

partial-interval, preference, skill acquistion, structured ABC, behavior rating scale

Abstract

Implementation of behavior analytic interventions has traditionally relied on professionals possessing the required skills and expertise within controlled settings. While effective, this can be both expensive and time consuming. Research has demonstrated parent’s ability to implement a variety of interventions within the natural environment. As a result, parents are increasingly involved in treatment implementation. Getting the cooperation, support, and active participation of clients is essential to successful intervention. Therefore, buy-in at the earliest stages of treatment may result in the greatest effect. One of the earliest steps in treatment is the collection of data. Data collection methodology, validity, and reliability have been well studied. Parents as data collectors has also been reported. However, indications regarding the best data collection methods for parents to use, as well as any evident correlation between preference and accuracy, has not been reported. Through repeated measures using a multiple baseline across subjects, the study assessed the rate of acquisition of three data collection procedures by evaluating their performance accuracy before and after training. Preference rankings and perceptions for the data collection procedures were also obtained. Finally, the study examined correlations between preference for and proficiency with each data collection procedure. Results showed that training improved performance of Partial Interval Recording for 2 participants with one participant displaying skill mastery. Though training also increased participant performance using the Structured ABC method, skill mastery was not displayed. All participants achieved skill mastery using the Behavior Rating Scale method through repeated exposure.

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