Social-Cognitive Approach
What are the three influences in reciprocal determinism?
Personal variables, environment, and the behaviour itself.
What is behavioural assessment?
Measurement of target behaviour before treatment to guide intervention.
Name the four main recording methods.
Continuous, product, interval, and time-sample recording.
Why should labels be avoided in defining behaviour?
Labels are subjective and hard to measure.
What is reactivity in behaviour recording?
When recording changes the behaviour before treatment.
What is observational learning?
Learning by seeing someone else get reinforced for a behaviour.
Why is behavioural assessment important?
It determines if treatment is needed and evaluates treatment effectiveness.
What does continuous recording measure?
Frequency, duration, intensity, and latency of behaviour.
What is the Stranger Test?
A test to ensure behaviour descriptions are clear and objective.
How can reactivity be minimized?
Use covert observation or wait until the person is accustomed to being observed.
Why might students continue undesirable behaviour despite aversive consequences?
Strong beliefs, lack of skills, or intense emotions like anger or anxiety.
What is the difference between direct and indirect assessment?
Direct is real-time observation; indirect relies on recall (interviews, questionnaires).
What is product recording?
Recording based on the outcome of behaviour (e.g., completed homework).
Give an example of converting a label to a behaviour.
Label: “Aggressive” → Behaviour: “Hits peers.”
What is baseline data?
Data collected before treatment to measure change.
What is modeling in behaviour change?
Learning by watching another person perform a behaviour.
Which assessment method is preferred and why?
Direct assessment less biased and more accurate.
What is partial-interval recording?
Marking an interval if behaviour occurs at any time during it.
What is social validity?
Agreement that the target behaviour is important and acceptable.
Name two recording instruments.
Data sheets and smartphone apps.
What is the main strength of the social-cognitive approach?
Its holistic view, considering thoughts, feelings, and environment.
What is a target behaviour?
A specific, observable action defined for modification.
What is momentary time sample recording?
Recording behaviour only if it occurs at the exact end of an interval.
Why must behaviour be defined before recording?
To ensure accurate and consistent observation.
Why is observation location important?
Natural settings provide more accurate behaviour samples.