Operational Definition

Clear, observable, measurable description of behavior. Ex: “Aggression = hitting with an open hand.”

Direct Measurement

Behavior is observed and recorded directly. Ex: counting tantrums.

Indirect Measurement

Data from interviews or rating scales. Ex: parent questionnaire.

Product Measure

Measure permanent result of behavior. Ex: number of worksheets completed.

Occurrence (Frequency)

How often behavior occurs. Ex: 6 hand raises.

Duration

How long the behavior lasts. Ex: crying for 4 minutes.

Latency

Time between instruction and response. Ex: 8 seconds to comply.

Interresponse Time (IRT)

Time between two responses. Ex: 20 seconds between questions.

Continuous Measurement

Behavior measured during entire observation. Ex: event recording.

Discontinuous Measurement

Behavior measured during samples of time. Ex: interval recording.

Interval Recording

Record if behavior occurs during interval. Ex: talking during 10-sec intervals.

Time Sampling

Observe only at specific moments. Ex: observe every 5 minutes.

Efficiency Measurement

Measures speed/cost of learning. Ex: trials to criterion = 12.

Validity

Measures what it is supposed to measure. Ex: on-task behavior for attention.

Reliability

Consistency of measurement. Ex: IOA = 92%.

Representative Data

Data reflects real behavior across settings/times. Ex: home and school data.

Graphing Data

Display data visually. Ex: line graph.

Equal-Interval Graph

Equal spacing on axes. Ex: frequency across days.

Bar Graph

Compare categories or totals. Ex: skills mastered.

Cumulative Record

Shows total responses over time. Ex: cumulative clicks.

Data Interpretation

Analyze trends, level, and variability. Ex: behavior decreases after treatment.

Procedural Integrity

Accuracy of implementing procedures. Ex: 95% steps followed.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Behavior being measured. Ex: tantrums.

Independent Variable (IV)

Intervention applied. Ex: reinforcement schedule.

Internal Validity

Change caused by the IV. Ex: behavior changes only after treatment.

External Validity

Results generalize to others/settings. Ex: works in different classrooms.

History (Threat)

Outside events affect behavior. Ex: new teacher.

Maturation (Threat)

Natural growth causes change. Ex: child ages.

Single-Case Design

Individual serves as own control. Ex: A-B-A-B.

Repeated Measures

Continuous data collection over time. Ex: daily data.

Prediction

Expected behavior without intervention. Ex: baseline trend continues.

Verification

Confirms IV caused change. Ex: behavior returns in reversal.

Replication

Repeating effect strengthens control. Ex: multiple phases.

Group Design

Compare groups statistically. Ex: treatment vs control.

Reversal Design

IV removed and reintroduced. Ex: A-B-A.

Multiple Baseline Design

IV introduced at different times. Ex: across behaviors.

Multielement Design

Rapid alternation of conditions. Ex: compare two treatments.

Changing-Criterion Design

Gradual change in performance criteria. Ex: increase goals weekly.

Comparative Analysis

Compare interventions. Ex: praise vs tokens.

Component Analysis

Identify effective parts of intervention. Ex: which step works.

Parametric Analysis

Change intensity/dosage of IV. Ex: more reinforcement.

Ethics Principles

Benefit others; act with integrity and respect. Ex: client dignity.

Ethical Risk

Harm to client/profession. Ex: data falsification.

Professional Development

Maintain competence. Ex: CEUs, supervision.

Confidentiality

Protect client information. Ex: secure records.