Quantifying Behavior

For this Discussion, you will analyze a challenging behavior prevalent in a special education setting and evaluate various methods for quantifying this behavior.

To prepare:

· View the media piece with Dr. Terry Falcomata and review the article by Parker, R. I., Vannest, K. J., & Brown, L. (2009). Note the methods to quantify the behaviors.

· Review the course text readings and identify a challenging behavior prevalent in special education settings today. Think about how this behavior might be quantified and the data selection methods you might use to do so.

An explanation of one challenging behavior prevalent in a special education setting and explain how it may be quantified. Additionally, explain the challenges that might exist in quantifying the behavior. Finally, explain the data selection methodology you would apply to the behavior you identified.

Learning Resources

Parker, R. I., Vannest, K. J., & Brown, L. (2009). The improvement rate difference for single-case research. Exceptional Children, 75(2), 135–150.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012). Introduction to single-subject design [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.

In this media program, Dr. Terry Falcomata explains Single-Subject Design.

Focus on single-subject design as a quantitative research approach that allows researchers, clinicians, and educators to establish experimental control in answering a question of some clinical or educational relevance. Reflect on how the use of single-subject design can demonstrate that an intervention or program reliably produces positive changes in important behaviors or skills.

Accessible player  –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012). A-B-A-B single-subject design [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

In this media program, Dr. Terry Falcomata explains the A-B-A-B Single-Subject Design.

Focus on the example of the experiment that uses an A-B-A-B single-subject design. Note that it is sometimes referred to as a withdraw or reversal design. Consider how it uses repeated measures of a behavior strategically across baseline and intervention conditions.

Accessible player  –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript

Florian, L. (Ed.). (2014). The SAGE handbook of special education (2nd ed.). London, England: Sage.

• Chapter 22, “The Applied Science of Special      Education: Quantitative Approaches, the Questions They Address, and How      They Inform Practice” (pp. 369–388)

  Focus on quantitative designs and why they are key for research      in the field of SPED.

Rumrill, P. D., Cook, B. G., & Wiley, A. L. (2011). Research in special education: Designs, methods, and applications. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

• Chapter 6, “Quantitative Research Designs”      (pp. 118–152)

  Focus on the description of single-subject research. Consider the      most important aspects of this approach to research. Review the quality      indicators of single-subject research.

O’Neill, R. E., McDonnell, J. J., Billingsley, F. F., & Jenson, W. R. (2011). Single case research designs in educational and community settings. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

• Chapter 2, “Defining What to      Measure and How to Measure It” (pp. 15–38)

  Focus on defining the target behavior, dimensions of the behavior      to be measured, and measurement procedures. Consider the importance of      consistency in measurement.

• Chapter 3, “Internal and      External Validity and Basic Principles and Procedures of Single Case      Research (SCR) Designs” (pp. 39–48)

  Focus on definitions of internal and external validity as they      relate to single-subject research. Pay particular attention to common      basic principles. Study the procedures of single-subject designs.

• Chapter 4, “Making Sense of      Your Data: Using Graphic Displays to Analyze and Interpret It”(pp. 49–66)

  Focus on the purposes of graphic displays of data. Note the      characteristics and the process of analyzing the data that are presented.      Review the questions that guide a comprehensive analysis.

• Chapter 5, “Common Steps and Barriers You May      Have to Deal With in Conducting a Research Study” (pp. 67–78)

  Focus on the common steps and challenges to conducting a research      study. Consider methods for overcoming challenges in the design of your      own research.

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