A method for analyzing changes in response efficiency

J Appl Behav Anal. 2001 Winter;34(4):487-90. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2001.34-487.

Abstract

Although experimental effects typically are evaluated by summarizing levels of responding across time (e.g., calculating the mean levels of problem behavior during 10-min sessions), these data summaries may obscure important mechanisms that may be responsible for changes in responding. A case study is reported to illustrate alternative methods of data analysis when decreasing trends in responding may be due to increases in response efficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Intellectual Disability / rehabilitation*
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Social Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Social Behavior Disorders / therapy*