Operational Definitions
A clear and objective description of a behavior so anyone can measure it the same way.
Operational definition
Recording behavior as it happens
Direct measurement
How long a behavior lasts
Duration
Measurement that records every occurrence of behavior.
Continuous measurement
A graph commonly used in ABA that shows behavior over time.
Line graph
Operational definitions should describe behavior that can be seen.
Observable behavior
Measuring behavior by looking at the result it produces.
Product measurement
The time between two behaviors.
Interresponse time
A measurement method that does NOT record every behavior.
Discontinuous measurement
A graph that shows totals increasing over time.
Cumulative record
Operational definitions should be this instead of vague.
Observable and measurable
Reports, checklists, or interviews used to measure behavior
Indirect measurement
The time between a cue and the start of a behavior
Latency
A type of discontinuous measurement where behavior is recorded if it happens during part of an interval.
Interval recording
A graph that compares amounts across categories
Bar graph
This helps ensure different observers measure behavior the same way.
Reliability
Measuring how many times behavior happens.
Frequency
Measuring how long it takes to learn a skill.
Trials to criterion
A system where behavior is recorded at specific moments in time.
Time sampling
Looking at graphs to determine if behavior is changing.
Data interpretation
Words like “lazy” or “disrespectful” should be avoided because they are this.
Subjective language
Measuring behavior by counting completed work.
Product measurement
Measuring how long it takes someone to complete a task.
Duration recording
Recording whether behavior occurs at the exact moment an interval ends.
Momentary time sampling
Graphs are used in ABA to communicate this.
Behavior change