Finding the Dependent Variable and Data Collection Method

Consider these scenarios, and then select ONE! Please clearly state the scenario you have selected in your discussion post. Also, please remember that this is a great opportunity to integrate the knowledge you have gained so far in the course.

Case Study A

Tyler is a 15-year-old male who attends high school as a freshman. The teachers report that Tyler often engages in vocal stereotypy, or "scripting," during school. He often verbalizes things that he hears on YouTube or from his favorite television program. His mother worries about the scripting because she is concerned that Tyler may say something inappropriate in front of his classmates and get in trouble. It also appears to have an effect on Tyler's schoolwork, since he cannot always complete his classwork by the end of the period. On such occasions, Tyler is told to complete his classwork for homework that evening. Tyler's mother notes that when classwork is brought home, it takes him awhile to complete it due to his scripting behavior.

Case Study B

Sarina is a 6-year-old who engages in non-compliant behavior and physical aggression. These behaviors are evident both at home and at school. Frequently, when given a direction to complete a task, Sarina will refuse to comply, shouting things such as "No." or "I do not feel like doing that." When her parents or staff attempt to redirect her non-compliance, she will become physically aggressive and attempt to hit or kick others. She has also been observed throwing objects and destroying property when she gets upset under these circumstances. Sarina's aggressive behavior has caused minor injuries to both classmates and her younger brother.

You will then begin to practice the skills of creating operational definitions, selecting appropriate data collection methods for a given behavior, considering the reliability and validity of your measurement, and creating a graphical representation of the data.

To do so, please respond to the following:

Identify the dependent variable(s) in the case.

What method(s) of data collection would be most appropriate to measure the behavior defined in the scenario?

Provide a rationale as to why the chosen method(s) of data collection would be most appropriate.

What, if any, limitation does this data collection method have?

How would you account for reliability and validity of your measurement procedures?

Create a set of hypothetical data (using 8-10 data points) to align with the scenario and create a basic graphical representation using Microsoft Excel® that aligns with ABA conventions for one set of behavioral data.

Save your graph as a PDF document and attach it to your discussion post. Please be sure to review the Creating a Basic ABA Line Graph tutorial video resource from your readings to help you create your graph.



You will want to break your work down into paragraphs to make sure you are covering all areas of your expected content, and to obtain all of your learning points: