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

Baseline logic refers to experimental reasoning inherent in single-subject experimental designs. Keep in mind that baseline logic does work differently in each design, so make sure you’re familiar with the specific ways that the elements work within all the different designs. Let’s review the general defining features of baseline logic and the four elements of baseline logic. Let’s begin with the first element: prediction. This is the predicted or projected result of the intervention. Think of it as a hypothesis that predicts the behavior is not going to improve unless you do something. It’s the reason for intervening. We intervene, which leads us to phase two: affirmation of the consequent.

When we intervene and responding changes with the presentation of that independent variable (the intervention IV), the IV is, in fact, controlling the behavior and possibly showing a functional relationship between the IV and the DV (the behavior). But since it’s only one indication, we can’t stop there. One effective IV implementation doesn’t confirm or prove anything in regards to that IV’s efficacy. So, we’ve got to move on to phase three: verification.

In this phase, we have a little help showing that the IV does, in fact, have control over the behavior. It verifies for us that the IV is probably responsible for the change because, in this phase, we see that the behavior at baseline levels without the IV returns to those baseline levels.

Finally, number four: replication. This is the most important phase because here, we strengthen the proof of our findings by reintroducing the independent variable. If the results are similar to previous outcomes in the previous independent variable conditions, it lets us know that the independent variable works every time. This phase provides us with a demonstration of reliability and believability. Each of these elements depends on an overall experimental approach called “steady state strategy.” This is an important term as well. When experimental conditions, or changes in experimental conditions, are introduced after stable patterns of responding in each condition, and all the other influences on the behavior, have been controlled for, we have is confirmation that these stable levels of responding are the product of the specific conditions (baseline or treatment) and nothing else. Don’t you just love science? I do!

5th Edition Task List
  • D-3   Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).
  • Baseline Logic
  • Experimental Design
  • Section D
  • Section D-3
  • Terminology
  • Related Content

  • Verification
    Demonstrating that the independent variable alone is responsible for the effect on the dependent variable by removing the independent variable and observing the dependent variable return to baseline levels.
  • Treatment package
    An intervention plan, typically for behavior reduction, with two or more independent variables interacting simultaneously.
  • ABA terms you need to know: single-subject designs.Single-subject designs
    A type of experimental design in which each subject serves as their own control, and the effects of treatment are compared to the subject’s own baseline data.
  • Steady state responding
    A pattern of stable target behavior responding over a period of time.
  • ABA terms you need to know: replication.Replication (in baseline logic)
    Demonstrating that reintroducing the independent variable after it was withdrawn produces a return of the dependent variable to levels similar to those observed in previous independent variable Hint: This is…
  • ABA terms you need to knowPrediction (in baseline logic)
    The projected result of a presently unknown measurement to be determined in the future, based on the belief that if current conditions persist, so will the pattern of responding, and…
  • Independent variable
    In an experimental design, this is the particular aspect of the environment manipulated to assess its effects on the target behavior.
  • Experimental design
    The specific arrangement of conditions in a study that are created to compare the relevant relations of the effects of the independent variable’s presence, absence, or different values of the…
  • Baseline logic
    The essential reasoning of single-subject experimental designs, which consists of prediction, verification, and replication.
  • Affirmation of the consequent
    Demonstrating that the independent variable controls the dependent variable (behavior) by showing a functional relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, evidenced by a change in responding occurring…
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  • Test your ABA Terminology: DRL vs. DRDTest 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: MO vs. SDTest your ABA Terminology ➠ MO vs Sᵈ
    Test your understanding of antecedents and behavior change with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the distinction between Sᵈs and MOs, explores their evocative function, and discusses how they can alter our behavioral repertoire when combined. Through relatable examples, Dana illustrates the importance of understanding the interplay between Sᵈs and MOs in behavior change. 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.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Differential Reinforcement ProcedureTest 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).
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Understanding Behavior-Altering EffectsTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Understanding Behavior-Altering Effects
    Test your terminology. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the umbrella term, "Motivating Operations" and breaks down the sub-categories. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Indicators of Trustworthy MeasurementTest 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 Ethics Terminology: Multiple RelationshipsTest Your ABA Ethics Terminology ➠ Multiple Relationships
    At all costs, avoid multiple relationships. Refer to BACB® | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | Section 1.11: Multiple Relationships
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Confounding Threats to Internal ValidityTest 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.
  • Level Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement ProceduresLevel 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: Fundamental Properties of Behavior ChangeTest 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.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Explore the 2 Types of Negative ReinforcementTest 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.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Stimulus ClassTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Stimulus Class
    Test your knowledge of concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about identifying a specific type of stimulus class, and the features associated with the three main stimulus class variations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Programming for GeneralizationTest 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 ExtinctionTest 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.
  • Test your ABA Ethics: Practicing Within Scope of CompetenceTest your ABA Ethics ➠ Practicing Within Scope of Competence
    Test your ABA Ethics Knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviewing the ethics behind practicing within one’s scope of competence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section E-1: Responsible conduct of behavior analysts BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Section 1.05: Practicing Within Scope of Competence
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