Data-Based Decisions
The graph above shows both baseline and intervention data for Linda’s task avoidance behavior. The task avoidance behavior summarizes Linda’s escape from non-preferred tasks or difficult classroom tasks. The baseline and intervention data are clear about the effectiveness of the treatment strategies that have been implemented to reduce Linda’s task avoidance while embracing positive behaviors like communicating the challenges he faces. The intervention strategies focus on improving socially acceptable behaviors that would help reduce his task avoidance. Towards the end of the intervention, Linda’s behavior seems to be maintaining off, which means that the intervention is implemented in achieving the desired outcomes.
Data-Based Decisions
Behavior change is a continuous and dynamic process that can be captured using behavioral data and displayed in a graphical representation for analysis. Fisher and Zangrillo (2015) note that graphical displays of behavioral data, like Linda’s case, provide a suitable format from which reliable and valid decisions from raw data can be best analyzed. Through the visual analysis of graphic displays of behavioral data, analysts can respond to questions related to behavior change (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2014). Behavioral data is collected to precisely measure behavioral performance, which is necessary for several reasons, including accurately measuring baseline levels of behavior and objectively determining the effectiveness of any intervention strategy. Data guides applied behavior analysis interventions and support programs. Data is used to determine whether to change the intervention, add or switch to new targets, and freshen p the intervention to provide better outcomes. Data drives the most significant chunk of applied behavior analysis decisions. Using data to make decisions is to demonstrate a functional relationship between the behavior that is changing (the target behavior) and the procedures that are being implemented to achieve the change. The information is gathered and reflected on the line graph, as described above. A graph is a visual tool used to assess where the target behavior has been at the baseline, where it is now, and where it can be projected to go (Kahng, et al. 2011).
Based on Linda’s display data, the following observations can be used to make decisions that can be drawn.
- Task-avoidance behavior changed in a meaningful way. The meaningful change can be attributed to the independent variable of time. With more time given to the analysts to implement the behavior change program, Linda is spending less time avoiding classroom tasks like math, reading, and leading her peers in group discussions. Based on this observation, the decision that can be made is for the intervention to be implemented in a generalized setting to maintain or generalize the change.
- Towards the end of the behavior change trend, Linda seems to be approaching the maintenance or generalization stage. Still, then a slight rise in the length of time taken to start completing her classwork suggests that the reinforcement or antecedent strategy is required to be modified or changed into something else.
- There are more stability and less variability in the behavior change program, which means there is significant control over the factors which influence Linda’s task-avoidance behavior.