Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity

There are so many types of validities in ABA, it’s like they ran out of words and now we have to discriminate between plain validity, social and internal, external. Thanks a lot ABA founding fathers and mothers. But, it makes perfect sense. The word “validity” refers to the extent that something is meaningful.

In measurement, validity refers to measurement that actually represents the behavior of interest, and measurement that does is meaningful. It’s valid. Social validity refers to the extent that, what we focus on with our clients, is going to improve their lives and therefore is meaningful to them, or valid to them. Internal and external validity takes us into experimental design which is meaningful to us as researchers.

Internal validity means that results are meaningful because it is proven that the IV is what caused the behavior change. Meaningful to researchers.

And external validity, the independent variables are meaningful because the positive results extend beyond the initial experiment to other dependent variables, behavior settings, people, etc.

Isn’t this all so meaningful? It’s so valid.

Related Content

Dana Do's: Why IOA Math Should Not Intimidate You

PTB co-founder takes some of the fear out of the interobserver agreement math with simple tips that can help narrow your discrimination.

Dana Do's: How to Define the Markers of Trustworthy Measurement

PTB co-founder goes into the three factors that define trustworthy measurement-- "validity", "reliability" and "accuracy". But what's the difference between each? Dana explains.

Questing for the Gold Standard of IOA Agreement

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and its significance in behavior analysis. Discover the desired percentage of agreement for IOA and its role in increasing data credibility and evaluating intervention effectiveness. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

ABA Terminology Break Down ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement

What are the three indicators of trustworthy measurement in ABA? PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains and why they ensure data accuracy and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Interobserver Agreement (IOA) Facts & Rules to Live By

Test your Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about several #interobserveragreement (IOA) facts, with rules to live by. Here, Dana highlights a variety of important IOA benefits, as well as IOA percentage of agreement criteria details and the different reporting options. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Reactivity

Refers to the changes in an individual’s behavior due to the presence of an observer.

Measurement bias

When an observer’s measurement is influenced by an expectation or belief they hold rather than what actually occurred.

Observer reactivity

When an observer’s data collection or performance is influenced by the awareness that they are being monitored and evaluated.

Interobserver agreement (IOA)

A measurement of the degree to which two or more observers report the same values when observing and collecting data for the same behaviors/events.

Validity

Measurement is trustworthy when the measurement that produces data is applicable and specific to the target behavior of interest and the relevant dimension of that behavior; in other words, you …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

Accuracy

Measurement is trustworthy when the degree to which what was quantitatively measured (observed value) is representative of what actually occurred (true value); in other words, the data collected accurately represents …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

Reliability

Measurement is trustworthy when the degree to which repeating a measurement procedure under the same conditions produces the same result.

Measurement artifact

Data that represents an unwarranted and misleading picture of behavior because of how it was measured, typically a product of time-sampling, limiting measurement scales, or poorly scheduled measurement periods.

Observer drift

When observers collecting data have a shift/drift in how they interpret the operational definition of the target behavior that affects the validity of their data.

IOA Mini Manual

Math can be daunting, but practice can help. In response to growing calls for more IOA practice opportunities, download the free PTB Interobserver Agreement Mini Manual. Designed to promote retention and reduce anxiety, the PTB IOA Mini Manual features 30 practice questions that cover the 9 IOA formulas you need to know to prep for the exam.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement

Test your knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains the specific indicator of trustworthy measurement that corresponds with repeated measurement yielding the same result. Included is a description of all three indicators of trustworthy measurement validity, accuracy, and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Confounding Threats to Internal Validity

Test your knowledge of measurement confounds with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one of the four types of threats to internal validity, with corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: It's the IOA Battle Royal. Which Formula Gets Knocked Out?

Sharpen your measurement skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about IOA and helps explain the different formulas used for time sampling measurements. Dana covers four IOA formulas: Interval-by-Interval, Scored Interval, Trial-by-Tial, and Unscored Interval; and highlights key considerations and pitfalls associated with each. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: The #1 Threat to Accuracy and Reliability

Test your measurement knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the key indicators of trustworthy measurement, revealing the most significant threat facing accuracy and reliability. Dana provides insight into the distinctions between reliability, validity, and accuracy and how they relate to measurement. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception

Test your knowledge of measurement procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains, in detail, one of the threats to validity with several corresponding examples. Dana also shares a clever memorization study tip that will help you on the Big exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identifying Measurement Confounds in Experimental Design

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that explores the difference between measurement confounds and subject confounds, how they relate to threats to internal validity in ABA research. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-2: Distinguish between internal and external validity.

Intersubject direct replication

An experimental replication of a previous study in which the researcher exactly duplicates a previous study but uses different subjects from the original study.

Systematic replication

An experimental replication of a previous study in which the researcher intentionally changes one or more features of a prior experiment.

Confounding variables

Any uncontrolled factors known or suspected to exert influence on the dependent variable during an experiment that is unexpected and not considered in planning. Hint: Think unpredictable events that can …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

Extraneous variables

Any aspect of the environment that must be held constant to prevent unplanned environmental variations during experimentation, usually something the experimenter is aware of and for which they do their …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

Internal validity

The extent to which an experiment strongly shows that changes in the dependent variable are a direct result of the independent variable and not the result of some other uncontrolled …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

External validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings, behaviors, or subjects.

Intrasubject direct replication

An experimental replication of a previous study in which the researcher exactly duplicates a previous study using the same subjects as the original study.

Maturation

Refers to the changes in a subject over the course of the study that result from natural growth and development.

Adaptation

Refers to the changes in operant responding due to the repeated presentation of a particular antecedent stimulus.

Warm-up effects

Refers to when initial response rates in baseline are weaker due to a subject needing to get warmed up.

Practice effects

Refers to an improvement in responding from the opportunity to practice a behavior, specifically during prolonged baseline measurement periods.

Bootleg reinforcement

Reinforcement that is accessed without meeting the response requirements of the contingency.

Experimental Validity: The Relationship between Behavior Change & Independent Variables

PTB co-founder explains the different types of validity in ABA. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-2: Distinguish between internal and external validity.

Dana Do's: What Do Philosophical Assumptions Got To Do With It?

It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that's actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam.

Dana Do's: Attention Multiple BCBA® Retakers (You are Going to Want to Hear This)

The data shows candidates struggle to pass the BCBA® exam on later attempts. PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes a deeper look at the data and offers a strategy for beating the retaker odds.

Dana Do's: The Scientific Goals of Behavior Analysis

PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes on the first portion of the Task List with a quick lesson about section A-1. The secret sauce for understanding the goal of behavior analysis? It all comes down to description, prediction, and control.

Dana Do's: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity

It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal and external validity apart. PTB co-founder Dana Meller has some tips to do just that.

Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Dependent vs. Independent Variables If You're Not a Researcher

Not a researcher? How about some help discriminating between dependent and independent variables. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a few tips to make that distinction on the BCBA® exam.

Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Between SDs & MOs

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the distinction between motivating operations (MOs) and discriminative stimulus (SDs). Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control; and B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When?

The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.

Dana Do's: What are the Markers of a Good Supervisor?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller identifies the markers of being a good supervisor. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section I-8: Evaluate the effects of supervision (e.g., on client outcomes, on supervisee repertoires).

Dana Do's: Yes, verbs are clues that can help you prep for the BCBA exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how the verbs used in the Task List can provide you with significant clues for effective studying. By examining task list verbs, you can actually determine the specific type of discrimination required in your studies. Learn how understanding these verbs can guide your preparation and better equip you for success on the big exam.

Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA®

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Dana Do's: Response Blocking vs. Extinction

Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Dana's Do's: Conditioning Us to Understand Operant and Respondent Conditioning?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how one word can describe two different things. Here's how to practically understand the difference between operant and respondent conditioning. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

Dana Do's: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating between response and stimulus prompts. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading)

Dana's Do's: WWSD (What Would #Skinner Do?) on Tax Day?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller illustrates a perfect example of rule-governed behavior centered on our shared and dreaded annual Tax Day obligation. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior.

Dana Do's: How to Decode the Code

PTB co-founder Dana Meller suggests that memorizing the sections of the BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts will in fact help you make correct discriminations when prepping for the BCBA® exam.

Dana Do's: 1-Minute Experimental Design Test Hack (you still have to study it though)

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a huge secret to help break down experimental design questions. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs.

Dana Do's: Why BCBA® Retaker Odds are Lower

There's a danger of studying only the score report. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers insight on why it's important to study like a test virgin.

Dana Do's: That Feeling of Freaking Out Over the BCBA® Exam

Everyone feels like they won't pass the BCBA® exam, not just you. PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about the experiences her students share as they prep for the exam. And surprise surprise, you are not alone in feeling scared, dealing with the pressures of everyday life, and trying to negotiate so many variables. If that's you and you're struggling, the good news is that it's temporary. And the payoff, that is fantastic.

Dana Do's: How to Easily Break Down the 7 Dimensions of ABA

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares an easy way to break down the 7 dimensions of ABA by using the dimensions to define what it means to be a behavior analyst, which in turn, makes it much easier to discriminate between each dimension. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Dana Do's: Imagine the Task List is a Jigsaw Puzzle

PTB cofounder, Dana Meller treats the task list like a puzzle, and so should you. Like a puzzle, all the task list items are interconnected. To be exam ready, you need all the pieces, and every piece needs to be in place.

Dana Do's: Looking at the World Behavior Analytically

Why should you look at the world behavior analytically? Because it will help you build ABA fluency.

Dana Do's: How to Optimize Memorization

PTB Co-founder Dana Meller reinforces the importance of memorization and offers some practical, empirically validated tips for memorizing the task list.

Dana Do's: Get Your M.A.C. Skills Together

PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a key to building fluency and BCBA® exam readiness. Memorization. Application. Comprehension.

Dana Do's: Dealing with the Frustration of Failing the BCBA® Exam

PTB cofounder Dana Meller offers some unsolicited advice for candidates who have experienced the frustration of failing the BCBA® exam by only a few points.

Dana Do's: Why You're Not Passing the BCBA® Exam

PTB cofounder Dana Meller helps candidates retaking the exam consider a functional approach to defining the obstacles holding them back.

Dana Do's: Short Cuts Don't Work

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about avoiding shortcuts in your exam prep. Becoming a BCBA® is not just about passing the Big Exam, it is about taking on a professional identity.

Dana Do's: Programming Common Stimuli

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about programming common stimuli and how this method can help students feel more prepared on exam day. Refer to Task List section G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Dana Do's: Importance of Experimental Design Fluency

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about the importance of being fluent in experimental designs, not just to pass the exam, but to be a good clinician as well. Ref Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).

Dana Do's: How to Know When You're Ready to Sit for the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about measuring exam readiness. How do you know if you’re ready to sit?

Dana Do's: The Importance of Speaking ABA

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares the importance of speaking ABA and being able to fluently read and understand the Cooper text in order to pass the big exam.

Dana Do's: Understanding the ABC's of Behavior Used to Break Down Test Questions

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how our ABA superpowers can be used to break down exam questions to organize BCBA® exam prep.

Dana Do's: Put On Your BACB® Board Hat

Want to know what to study for the BCBA® exam? PTB co-founder Dana Meller reminds candidates that the exam is a knowledge assessment, not a skill assessment.

Dana Do's: Using Stimulus Salience to Increase Studying Effectiveness

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the ways in which you can increase your studying effectiveness through stimulus salience. We know that ABA works, and Dana reminds students to utilize basic ABA principles to help themselves prepare for the BCBA® exam. Refer to Task List section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.

Dana Do's: BCBA® Exam Prep Studying Tips

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives.

Dana Do's: How to Make Time for Studying for the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives.

Dana Do's: The Secret to Test Questions

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a surprisingly easy trick to interpret the call-to-action of a mock or actual test question on the BCBA® or BCaBA® exam.

Dana Do's: The Problem With Making Assumptions on the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares practical insight on the importance of approaching exam questions at face value.

Dana Do's: Use Mistakes to Assess How You Test

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares insights on how to use your mock BCBA® exam mistakes to assess and improve your test-taking behavior.

10 Positive Effects From Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care. It’s a bit of a broad term, and a total buzzword these days. It’s often used in the context of bubble baths and “unplugging.” But, at its core, self-care is about more than just “me-time.” It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Dana Do's: How to Know if Your Study Activities are Effective

How do you know if your BCBA® study activities are effective? PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares some key analysis that may help BCBA® exam candidates assess efficacy.

Dana Do's: Careful About Getting Creative With Mock Exams

PTB co-founder cautions candidates about using the actual BCBA® exam as a mock exam, listing all the reasons why you might want to reconsider getting creative with your mock exam prep experience.

Dana Do's: Warning. Be Careful of Extremes.

PTB co-founder Dana Meller sends an important warning for test takers. Watch out for extremes in exam questions and answer options.

Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams in Your Study Plan

I was recently asked if mock exams are useful in predicting how someone will do on the actual big exam. And, is repeating the same mock exam an effective study …

Dana Do’s: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity Read More

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Winning Measurement System to Record Client Tolerance to Losing

Let's review and break down a BCBA® mock exam question about measurement techniques in ABA, specifically percentage of opportunity. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to calculate the percentage of opportunities where the behavior is exhibited and why this method is superior to rate, count, and interval recording in certain situations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-3: Measure occurrence (e.g., count, frequency, rate, percentage).

MiniBig

 

PTB MiniBig: Fast, Flexible, and Focused Exam Prep

The PTB MiniBig enables BCBA® exam prep candidates to tailor their study needs by popping in on single sessions of the intensive PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. Each 3.5-hour session, focused on specific sections of the Task List, includes a mock exam followed by real-time, live, interactive feedback and access to live session replays, without committing to the full workshop.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Functional Assessment Procedures

Focusing on ABC data collection, PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses functional assessment procedures. Dana explains how to generate mathematical probabilities for target behaviors based on specific antecedents and consequences, providing a step-by-step guide to quantitatively analyzing the gathered information. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior and F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.

Test Your Descriptive Assessment Skills ➠ ABC Recording Methods

Get a comprehensive overview of ABC Recording Methods. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the two types, along with their differences, benefits, and practical applications. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior; and F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Cumulative Record Calculations

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about using cumulative records and their significance in behavior analysis. Learn how to utilize cumulative graphs to track behavior over specific time periods and measure and calculate response rates for insightful data analysis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Reversal Design Variations With Only One Reversal

Test your Experimental Design skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews and breaks down a mock exam question about reversal design variations that display only one reversal. Included is a description of A-B-A, B-A-B, and A-B-A-B reversal designs. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Shortcuts to Understanding the Basics Behind Each Experimental Design

Experimental design causes a lot of anxiety. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a few shortcuts to help on exam day, eliminating some answer options but also, more importantly, give you a head start on understanding the basics behind each design.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Measurement System in This Scenario

Test your measurement, data display, and interpretation knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one specific measurement system that measures the effect of the behavior after its occurrence. Here, Dana details the two ways someone could implement this type of measurement system, provides examples of scenarios and a variety of corresponding measurement methods, and highlights some of the pros of utilizing this type of measurement system. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-2: Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a 3-Phase Reversal Experimental Design

Test your Experimental Design skills with a breakdown of a BCBA® mock exam question about the identification of a three-phase experimental design. Included is a detailed comparison between four different reversal designs: ABC reversal, ABA reversal, BAB reversal, and ABAB reversal. As a bonus, Dana also provides examples of instances in which each of the reversal designs would be implemented. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Pivotal Behavior vs. Behavior Cusp

Test your behavior assessment knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares and contrasts pivotal behavior vs. behavior cusp, providing several corresponding examples of each, as they relate to identifying the target behaviors that need prioritization for treatment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-3: Identify and prioritize socially significant behavior-change goals.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Interpret Descriptive Assessment Data

Test your knowledge of interpreting descriptive assessment ABC data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she discusses conditional probability, including the rules that apply, and provides a step-by-step example using the calculation formula and how to report these data. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior; F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify This Experimental Design Scenario

Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she offers guidance to identify the specific experimental design relating to a scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Derivative Measures Explained

Put your knowledge of occurence measurement to the test with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two types of derivative measures, and each of their defining features and applications. Dana focuses on the derivative measure used for comparing two or more procedures, teaching clients new skills, evaluating mastery over a class of concepts, and the various measurement methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-6: Measure trials to criterion.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Understanding Equal-Interval Graphs & Logarithmic Scales

Test your knowledge of ABA graphs with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about equal-interval graphs, exploring their unique properties. Included, Dana explains the concept of proportional values and highlights the graph(s) which operate on a logarithmic scale, offering a different perspective on changes in behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections C-10: Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records); C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Fundamental Properties of Behavior Change

Test your ability to interpret graphed data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the three fundamental properties of behavior change, focusing on one specific property akin to an average or median. Included are descriptions of level, trend, variability, and the y-axis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Response vs. Stimulus Prompts?

If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between DRL and DRD?

Depending on the source, you can get some conflicting information about DRL vs DRD. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a more current look at these two reinforcement procedures.

Dana Do's: Do Alternative Behaviors Need to be Functionally Equivalent?

Do alternative behaviors always have to be functionally equivalent to the target behavior that we're trying to reduce or eliminate? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks in down.

Dana Do's: Which Group Contingency Do I Use?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the three different interventions, related by the group. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.

Dana Do's: Relating, Framing and Equating

Relating, framing and equating. PTB co-founder Dana Meller drills into the generalizability of relational frame theory, equivalence-based instruction, and stimulus equivalence. Would you believe they all go together? Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-15: Define and provide examples of derived stimulus relations; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization; G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting Components

Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about contingency contracts and their importance in behavior management. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the three essential elements of a contingency contract and how they can be effectively implemented to achieve behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-19: Use contingency contracting.

Matching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge Yourself

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews matching-to-sample procedures, focusing on one specific method where stimuli are not physically identical but have a symbolic relationship. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Not All Conditioned Reinforcers Are Created Equal

Let's understand the concept and versatility of Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers (GCSRs) and their crucial role in behavior management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-8: Define and provide examples of unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers and punishers and G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.

Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained

Learn about an interesting phenomenon related to verbal cues motivating individuals without tangible reinforcement. PTB co-founder Dana Meller also shares an example of research conducted with little kids. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior; and G-6: Use instructions and rules.

Antecedent Intervention ➠ Increasing Compliance with the Art of Timing

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the high-probability request sequence (high-p). Learn how the high-p serves as an effective antecedent intervention and compliance-building strategy. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; and G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Conditioned Reinforcer in This Scenario

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a specific type of conditioned reinforcer. Included is a description of generalized conditioned reinforcers and corresponding examples. Additionally, Dana shares a good rule of thumb for your exam about which stimuli are always identified as generalized conditioned reinforcers. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Behavior Reduction Procedures

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the utilization of behavior reduction procedures to decrease challenging behavior. Included is a description of extinction, positive punishment, as well as non-contingent reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-14 Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR); G-15: Use extinction and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Test your Knowledge of ABA Educational Methodologies ➠ Exploring PSI & Key Concepts

Test your instructional methodologies knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses PSI (Personalized System of Instruction), highlighting essential keywords and key figures associated with PSI to enhance your understanding of this personalized approach to effective learning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Unwanted Effects in Responding

Test your knowledge of reinforcement and punishment procedures. PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the temporary effect in responding that is expected to occur during the implementation of the treatment procedures. Included, Dana contrasts the occurrence of a temporary increase in challenging behavior in an extinction procedure. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identifying Punishers & Understanding their Impact on Behavior

Test your knowledge of behavior principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of punishers, clarifying their true definition based on their effect on behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Differential Reinforcement Procedure for Problem Behavior Reduction

Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the behavior change procedure, Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL). Dana explains how DRL specifically targets lower rates of responding and shares valuable insights on effectively implementing this technique in behavior management strategies. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Physical Guidance to Prompt a Response

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down BCBA® mock exam question about prompting, a response utilizing physical guidance. Included is a description of graduated guidance, least-to-most, and most-to-least prompting methods, as well as stimulus shape transformations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Parameters for Using Punishment

Test your knowledge of concepts & principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the parameters to consider when using punishment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies, G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects Explained

Test your knowledge of planning interventions with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explained the types of unwanted treatment side effects. Also included is a description of the two types of contrast effects, positive behavioral contrast and negative behavioral contrast, as well as corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast

Put your ABA terminology knowledge to the test with #PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares two commonly confused terms: Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast, and discusses corresponding examples of each. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement, and H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Explore the Reinforcement Procedure Most Similar to Precision Teaching

Test your understanding of behavior-change procedures and ABA educational methodologies with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the specific differential reinforcement procedure most closely connected to Precision Teaching. Here, Dana provides a concise overview of the individualized instructional method, its focus on fluency-building, and some key aspects of the methodology. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements, and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Prompt Dependence

Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about how prompt dependence is defined, and a scenario that identifies prompt dependence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Difference Between Two Ways to Fade Response Prompts

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains with examples, the distinction between two fade response prompts. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a Contingency Independent Intervention

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the differences between contingency-independent and contingency-dependent interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)

PTB co-founder Dana Meller covers the background of DTT and breaks down the four types. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ DRL vs. DRD

Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key differences between DRL and DRD procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Differential Reinforcement Procedure

Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a specific differential reinforcement procedure. Here, Dana compares and contrasts all of the differential reinforcement procedures: #DRL vs. #,DRD, #DRH, #DRO, as well as #DRA vs. #DRI. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Programming for Generalization: Expanding Skills Beyond the Learning Environment

There are seven ways to program for generalization. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into "Indiscriminable Contingencies". Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Behavioral Momentum

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.

Level Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement Procedures

Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the specific DR procedure to provide the client with reinforcement for exhibiting higher rates of the target behavior(s) that already exist in their repertoire. Additionally, Dana draws parallels to personal experiences and highlights skill areas for which clients could benefit from this SR schedule. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Explore the 2 Types of Negative Reinforcement

Test your understanding of negative reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two specific types and details and nuances using relatable examples that significantly impact our everyday lives. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies and G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior.

Hungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad Cravings

Put your knowledge of motivating operations to the test. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into a specific type of CMO and explains how seemingly innocuous visuals on TV ads can trigger a state of deprivation for the advertised item, resembling the effects of an unconditioned motivating operation. Dana presents an intriguing example highlighting the process of pairing and the associations that can unexpectedly ignite intense cravings. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-2 Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Programming for Generalization

Test your knowledge of behavior-change procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses generative learning and programming for generalization. Dana explains one of the nine procedures for achieving generalization that emphasizes the need to generalize the response across similar stimuli, while recognizing that different stimuli may require different responses. NOTE: Here, Dana mentions there are seven methods for programming for generalization, which is consistent with the literature for the 4th Edition Task List. But, for the 5th Edition Task List, there are additional methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction and G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ What Are The 3 Types of Extinction?

Test your knowledge of Concepts & Principles and Behavior-Change Procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the different types of operant extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction, G-15: Use extinction.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Intervention's Reinforcement Schedule

Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the differences between contingent and non-contingent schedules, focusing on an antecedent-based, response-independent schedule of reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

PTB's Special ABA Sauce: Mastering the ABCs of Behavior

Test your understanding of the ABCs of Behavior with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she analyzes a tasty scenario to identify the MO, SD, prompt, behavior, and consequence using PTB's special ABC breakdown method. Discover how ordering extra sauce serves as a perfect example to unravel the intricate relationship between MOs, deprivation, SDs, and reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-1: Define and provide examples of behavior, response, and response class, B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control, B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Broadening the Scope of Trials-to-Criterion Measurements

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about measurement used to derive trials to criterion data. Dana explains how this measurement can be a powerful tool in understanding and improving behavior performance across different dimensions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-6: Measure trials to criterion.

ABA Terminology ➠ You Down With OCC? 3 Essentials For Crafting an Epic Operational Definition

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the three defining features needed to craft a solid operational definition - Remember "OCC" for short. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-1: Establish operational definitions of behavior.

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Ethical Considerations in Experimental Design

Test your understanding of ethical considerations in experimental designs with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Let's review a BCBA® mock exam question about reversal design and the nuances and concerns associated with this experimental setup. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Key Elements of Baseline Logic for Multiple Baseline Design (D-3)

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about baseline logic for a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Dana explains the significance of replication in providing more convincing evidence of a functional relationship and how to make scientific justifications using baseline logic in various designs. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).

The Most Utilized Experimental Design for Generalization Effects

Learn what the most utilized experimental design is for generalization effect. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares this design's key features and benefits, allowing us to assess the effects of an independent variable across various settings, subjects, and behaviors. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

CON Artist Captured! Unmasking the CONfounding Variable of the Alternating Treatments Design

PTB co-founder Dana Meller hones your experimental design skills with a focus on the alternating treatments design's confounding variable. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Experimental Design Terminology ➠ The Baseline Logic Blueprint & the Sum of Its Parts

Join PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses baseline logic in single-subject experimental designs. Dana breaks down the four essential elements of baseline logic and how these elements play a crucial role in demonstrating experimental control and confirming the effectiveness of interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).

Dance the Axes Tango: Assessing Intervention Effectiveness on the Dynamic Data Graph Floor

Sharpen your experimental design skills and explore how independent variables influence behavior. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to decipher graphical representations of data and understand the roles of the y-axis and x-axis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-1: Distinguish between dependent and independent variables.

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Analyzing the Fundamental IV & BehaviorChange Relationship

Hone your experimental design skills through review of a BCBA® mock exam question. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the crucial aspect of experiments—how they demonstrate changes in behavior attributed to the independent variable. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-2: Distinguish between internal and external validity.

The Proof of Function is in the Reversal Design Pudding

PTB co-founder Dana Meller puts your understanding of experimental design to the test. What are the critical phases required for a successful and robust experimental setup. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ Procedural Integrity & Components for Effective Treatment

Let's dig into the concept of procedural integrity. What is it? What are other various names (aka) it is referred to. Procedural integrity is essential for accurately interpreting experimental results and the effectiveness of treatments. PTB co-founder Dana Meller details the concept of treatment drift and provides valuable tips to ensure a high level of treatment integrity. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-6: Monitor client progress and treatment integrity.