ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

External validity

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

5th Edition Task List

D-2  Distinguish between internal and external validity.

6th Edition TCO

D.2 Distinguish between internal and external validity.

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    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…
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    An experimental replication of a previous study in which the researcher exactly duplicates a previous study using the same subjects as the original study.
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    An experimental replication of a previous study in which the researcher exactly duplicates a previous study but uses different subjects from the original study.
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    Refers to when initial response rates in baseline are weaker due to a subject needing to get warmed up.
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    Refers to an improvement in responding from the opportunity to practice a behavior, specifically during prolonged baseline measurement periods.
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    Refers to the changes in a subject over the course of the study that result from natural growth and development.
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    Reinforcement that is accessed without meeting the response requirements of the contingency.
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    Refers to the changes in operant responding due to the repeated presentation of a particular antecedent stimulus.
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