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

How does one discriminate between the dependent and independent variable in test questions. When you spend your days working at home, schools, or clinics, you’re probably not referring to behavior as the dependent variable and you’re probably not referring to procedures as independent variables. Which is why it is understandable that you may confuse these words, that are mostly used in research.

But for the exam, you have to pretend you’re researcher and you have to know these terms. Here’s how: the dependent variable is the behavior that we are targeting for change. So think of that behavior as being dependent on an intervention. Dependent behavior equals the behavior and the intervention. The independent variable– these are the consequences and environmental manipulations that can produce behavior change in a lab, but eventually end up in our hands and get called procedures and interventions. Also, the “i” in independent matches the “i” in intervention, which is another way to remember that.

5th Edition Task List
  • D-1  Distinguish between dependent and independent variables.
  • 6th Edition TCO
  • D.1. Distinguish between dependent and independent variables.  
  • Dana Do's
  • Dependent Variables
  • Independent Variables
  • MiniBig C D F
  • Section D
  • Section D-1
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    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).
  • 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).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).
  • ABA terms you need to know: baseline logic.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).
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about experimental design.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).
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