Stability (Are the behaviors [data points] close together or highly variable?).
data recording. One goal is to collect as much data as possible without detracting from the teaching interaction. These data are important when making decisions about what and how to teach. Data guide instructors on a constant basis.
The level, trend, stability, and other information about the behavior are then used to make decisions about appropriate interventions and goals for performance. Before an intervention begins, behavior analysts collect information about the behavior. This is called baseline data. Baseline data are collected on both challenging behaviors and targeted skills. Data are then collected during the course of an intervention to determine if the learner is making progress, how much progress, and if modifications to the intervention plan are necessary. One hallmark characteristic of ABA is ongoing data collection. While you can take data every time a behavior occurs, it is not necessary to do so. There are many efficient and reliable means of collecting “probe” (occasional) data that do not require continuous “trial by trial”
Demonstration of a functional relation
Another hallmark characteristic of ABA is the demonstration of a systematic relation between two variables. For example, if a learner had a tantrum when and only when there was a change in the class schedule, one might suspect the schedule change caused the tantrum. A behavior analyst would explore this possible connection to determine if these events simply occurred together in time or if one caused the other. Behavior analysts identify relations between variables and use this information to change the environment and behavior in the most positive and efficient way possible.
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Evaluation of ABA Programs
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