IV vs DV
In ABA research, what is the independent variable (IV)?
The variable the researcher manipulates on purpose (typically the treatment/intervention/condition).
Define internal validity in one sentence.
Confidence that the IV caused the DV change (evidence of a functional relationship).
Threats to internal validity are best described as what?
Alternative explanations for DV change besides the IV.
What two big ingredients define SCEDs?
Baseline logic + repeated measurement.
What SCED design involves introducing, withdrawing, and reintroducing treatment?
Reversal design (ABA/ABAB).
In ABA research, what is the dependent variable (DV)?
The variable that is measured (usually the target behavior or outcome measure).
Define external validity in one sentence.
The extent to which results generalize beyond the study.
Which threat is: “outside events influence the DV”?
History
In SCEDs, participants primarily serve as their own what?
Controls (comparison is within the same participant across phases/conditions).
What SCED design staggers IV introduction across behaviors, settings, or participants and does not require withdrawal?
Multiple baseline design.
A study introduces the Good Behavior Game during math class and measures student disruptions. Identify the IV and DV.
IV: Good Behavior Game. DV: student disruptions. What is internal validity?
If a study shows behavior changes only when treatment is introduced (and repeats across phase changes), what kind of validity is strengthened?
Internal validity
Which threat is: “natural changes within the participant over time”?
Maturation
SCED “experimental control logic” is often summarized as what three terms?
Prediction, verification, replication.
“Multielement” is commonly used as a synonym for what design?
Alternating treatments design.
A graph’s y-axis is labeled “Percent on-task.” What is the DV?
Percent on-task behavior (the measured behavioral outcome).
External validity is mainly about generalization across what four areas?
People, Settings, Behaviors, Time.
During baseline, the team measures aggression by frequency; during treatment, they switch to a 1–5 rating scale. What threat is this?
Instrumentation (measurement system changed).
What’s one reason an unstable or trending baseline is a problem in SCED interpretation?
It weakens phase logic and makes it harder to claim the IV caused DV change (internal validity threat).
A changing criterion design is best described as what main idea?
Stepwise criterion changes where the DV should track the criterion shifts.
A researcher is trying a new reinforcement system for a classroom, but midway through the study, the school switches to a new bell schedule. Which is the IV and what is the schedule change?
IV: the reinforcement system (planned manipulation).
Schedule change: not the IV, it’s a potential confound/alternative explanation.
A treatment reduces aggression for one student in one clinic session, but has never been replicated. Which validity is most limited and why?
External validity is limited because there’s no replication/generalization evidence across people/settings/time/behaviors.
A group study selects only the most extreme scorers at pretest, and posttest scores drop even without a strong intervention effect. What threat is this?
Regression to the mean
Name three common critique targets when judging SCED data quality.
Threats to internal validity, procedural integrity/fidelity problems, weak phase logic, or unstable baseline. (Any 3 acceptable if clearly stated.)
Match the analysis type to the question:
A) Which treatment works best?
B) Which part of the package works?
C) What dose/intensity works best?
A) Comparative B) Component C) Parametric