HomeBxLogThreats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception January 21, 2022 Question: This term is defined as a misleading picture of behavior because of the way the behavior is measured. A phenomenon that can result from using time sampling to measure behavior, and/or having limiting measurement scales and/or scheduling inadequate measurement periods. Answer: Measurement Artifacts. The scenario is the definition, as well as the causes, all in one. If you can memorize the question, you basically know what you need to know about measurement artifacts. But what’s very important to understand is, a lot of people think that an artifact is a mistake or a bias. Somebody measured incorrectly. But that is not correct. Actually, everything was done appropriately. Whether they were using time sampling or they scheduled the behavior to be observed, the measurement piece was done correctly. But something about the measurement piece creates this misleading picture of the behavior. With time sampling, one of the risks is over and underestimation. So is that data wrong? No. Does that data potentially over and under estimate behavior and therefore is misleading about what happened? Yes. Limiting measurement scales. If you don’t have a scale that allows the client’s entire potential to be seen, then that is going to be misleading about what they can or cannot do. If you measure a spelling test with ten words, and then claim that this person can spell ten words, that’s not wrong. It’s not incorrect. That is what you measured. But because of that limiting scale, you’re creating a very misleading picture of what that client is able or not able to do. And then, measurement periods that are poorly scheduled. Again, is the measurement correct? Are they measuring what they saw? Yes. So it’s not an error per se, but it can be misleading because that time period didn’t allow equal opportunity for occurrence or non-occurrence or anything to do with the behavior and how it was measured. C-8 Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures. FlashcardsMeasurementMiniBig C D FSAFMEDSSection CSection C-8 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.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.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 … Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Read MoreAccuracy 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 … Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Read MoreReliability 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.3.14 Tips to Make Exam Prep as Easy as Pi #1: Set Specific (And Smaller) Goals Setting goals when developing a study strategy is important, but even more important is setting goals that are rational, realistic, and manageable. Setting too … Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Read MoreAdd to Cart: Shop PTB’s ABA Holiday Gift Guide PTB is making a list and you’ll want to check it out once (or twice). If you’re not sure what to put on your holiday wish list this year, PTB has the ultimate gift guide for ABA professionals and future BCBAs. Browse now and don’t forget to ask Santa, if you see him.The Science Behind Gratitude Spoiler alert: it’s good for your mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing.Beat the Odds: Factors that Impact Performance on the BCBA® Exam Though the exam may be difficult, it’s not impossible to achieve a passing score. There are several ways students can improve their chances and beat the odds. The right preparation is essential.Dana's Do's: Struggling with ABA Jargon? Watch This. The clinical jargon of ABA can be one of the most intimidating parts of BCBA® exam prep. However, as PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains, understanding the source material like textbooks and literature— no matter how dense they may be— is imperative for exam day success. Dana Do's: A Common Misconception About the Role of Memorization Memorization is a crucial skill, but it may not be enough to get you a passing score. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares her insight into how rote memorization can create a false sense of confidence while offering tips to improve knowledge generalization.Big Stack Flashcards (terms on one side, blank on the reverse) The definitive source for complete coverage of the Task List, personally curated by PTB founders and co-authors of the ABA Study Manual, Dana Meller (MA, BCBA) and Priya Runyon (MA, BCBA, LMFT, retired). The series of 532 essential ABA terms are divided by Task List section for easy navigation, and feature concept lists to organize related terms. Designed by Meller and Runyon, using proven techniques that maximize fluency and retention, the flashcards offer an additional modality to a study plan, or act as a starting point for BCBA exam prep. The accompanying nine interlocking rings allow for custom collating to support multiple organization strategies. An ideal supplement to the PTB ABA Exam Study Manual, in its 11th year of printing. Discount/Promo Codes Not Applicable FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 – 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 – 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout.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: 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: 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 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.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. 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).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.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 … Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Read MoreDana 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.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.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.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.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).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.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.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.5 Science-Backed Tips to Make Your Study Space More Soothing #1 – Declutter to De-stress Fortunately, this first tip costs nothing. Unfortunately, it may require a bit of elbow grease. Organizing your study or work station can help you better … Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Read MoreSmall Stack SAFMEDS Designed to build fluency and enhance generalization, the PTB Small Stack SAFMEDS contain 500 essential ABA terms and peer-reviewed definitions, representing full coverage of the Task List. Meticulously curated, written by co-founder Dana Meller (MA, BCBA) and peer-reviewed, each card features definitions that integrate relatable and clinical language to enhance rote memorization, alongside precise section numbers for easy navigation. Lightweight and portable, the custom box allows for easy transport, creating more opportunities to study anytime, anywhere. An ideal supplement to the PTB ABA Exam Study Manual, in its 11th year of printing. Discount/Promo Codes Not Applicable FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 – 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 – 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout.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.
