Behavioral Assessment Lesson 8

Behavioral Assessment n Measuring target behavior l Requires detailed behavioral definition l Quantifiable n Unambiguous (objective) l Hi inter-rater reliability n Purpose l Determine if treatment necessary l Aids in choosing treatment approach l Establishes baseline l Indicates change in target behavior ~

Assessment Strategies n Direct assessment l Observe/record B as it occurs l Usually more accurate n Indirect assessment l Relies on observers memory l Questionnaires, interviews, rating scales n Continuous recording l Low frequency behaviors n Time sample recording l Hi frequency behaviors ~

Assessment Methods n Type: Label  behavioral definition l Arm biting  closure of upper & lower teeth on any portion of skin from fingers to elbow l Face-hitting  audible contact of open or closed hand against face or head n Timing l Duration: how long behavior occurs l Latency: delay until behavior occurs ~

Assessment Methods n Frequency l Number of occurrence during specified time period n Percentage of opportunities l e.g., compliance with request l Child complies 11/22 or 50% n Product recording (indirect) l e.g. # completed homework l # problems completed l Uncertainty: who completed B? ~

Objective Measurement n Example: Reduce smoking n Form l # of packs, cigarettes, or puffs? l practical choice of measurement n Frequency l ratio of count & length of observation n Timing l duration of behavior ~

Objective Measurement n Other useful measures l % of task completed l groups: # or % of people completing task l rating scales: qualitative behaviors n Use combination of scales n No predetermined scale for a behavior l  quality of social contacts, not number l or vice versa l depends on individual’s goals ~

Recording Instruments n To record data l Immediately l Practical method n Checklists n Notebooks n ABC Diaries, etc. n Stopwatch, timers n Golf stroke counters n Smart phones ~

ABC Diary for Child’s Tantrums n  behavioral excesses: split B column l Deceleration B, acceleration B ~ Antecedents (A)Behavior (B)Consequences (C) We turned off TV22 min No TV. We tried to comfort him He demanded a glass of water at bedtime 24 min We finally gave him water After a bedtime story18 minWe left the room Had turned of TV26 minSent him to his room

Reactivity n Observing B  changes B l  inaccurate functional analysis? n Person knows they are being observed l Wait until accustomed to observer l Hidden observation n Self-monitoring l Sometimes part of treatment l Still important to establish baseline ~