Portfolio Part B: Comprehensive Study Guide: Check Point 3
SPCE 630: Research Methods for Behavior Analysis
BACB 6th Edition Test Content Outline Items to Cover
▪ D.2. Distinguish between internal and external validity.
▪ D.3. Identify threats to internal validity (e.g., history, maturation)
▪ D.4. Identify the defining features of single-case experimental designs (e.g.,
individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification,
replication)
▪ C.10. Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval
graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records)
▪ C.11. Interpret graphed data.
Outline
In this section, provide a comprehensive outline for the BACB Test Content Outline items
above. You may only use content from this course. You may use your textbook, assigned
articles, lectures, or instructional materials. You may not use content from outside of this
course.
D.2
In research, internal validity and external validity are fundamental concepts that assess the
credibility and applicability of a study's findings.
Internal Validity:
• Definition: Refers to the degree to which a study accurately establishes a causal
relationship between variables, free from the influence of confounding factors.
• Significance: High internal validity ensures that the observed effects are genuinely due
to the experimental conditions and not other variables.
Enhancement Strategies:
• Employ random assignment to experimental groups.
• Maintain consistent procedures across participants.
• Control extraneous variables that could influence outcomes.
External Validity:
• Definition: Pertains to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized
beyond the specific conditions or participants involved.
• Significance: High external validity indicates that the findings are applicable to
, broader populations, settings, or times.
Enhancement Strategies:
• Use random sampling techniques to select participants.
• Conduct studies in naturalistic settings.
• Replicate studies across diverse groups and environments.
D.3
Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study can establish a causal relationship
between variables, free from the influence of confounding factors. Several threats can
compromise internal validity, including:
History:
• Events occurring during the study that are unrelated to the treatment but may affect
participants' responses.
Maturation:
• Changes within participants over time that occur naturally and are not related to the
experimental treatment.
Testing:
• The effect of taking a test on subsequent administrations of the same test.
Instrumentation:
• Changes in measurement tools or procedures that can affect outcomes.
Statistical Regression:
• The tendency for extreme scores to move toward the average upon retesting.
Selection Bias:
• Systematic differences between groups before the intervention.
Attrition:
• Loss of participants during a study, which can lead to non-equivalent groups.
Selection-Maturation Interaction:
• When groups mature at different rates, affecting outcomes.
Diffusion or Imitation of Treatments:
• When the control group learns about the treatment and imitates it.
Compensatory Rivalry:
SPCE 630: Research Methods for Behavior Analysis
BACB 6th Edition Test Content Outline Items to Cover
▪ D.2. Distinguish between internal and external validity.
▪ D.3. Identify threats to internal validity (e.g., history, maturation)
▪ D.4. Identify the defining features of single-case experimental designs (e.g.,
individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification,
replication)
▪ C.10. Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval
graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records)
▪ C.11. Interpret graphed data.
Outline
In this section, provide a comprehensive outline for the BACB Test Content Outline items
above. You may only use content from this course. You may use your textbook, assigned
articles, lectures, or instructional materials. You may not use content from outside of this
course.
D.2
In research, internal validity and external validity are fundamental concepts that assess the
credibility and applicability of a study's findings.
Internal Validity:
• Definition: Refers to the degree to which a study accurately establishes a causal
relationship between variables, free from the influence of confounding factors.
• Significance: High internal validity ensures that the observed effects are genuinely due
to the experimental conditions and not other variables.
Enhancement Strategies:
• Employ random assignment to experimental groups.
• Maintain consistent procedures across participants.
• Control extraneous variables that could influence outcomes.
External Validity:
• Definition: Pertains to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized
beyond the specific conditions or participants involved.
• Significance: High external validity indicates that the findings are applicable to
, broader populations, settings, or times.
Enhancement Strategies:
• Use random sampling techniques to select participants.
• Conduct studies in naturalistic settings.
• Replicate studies across diverse groups and environments.
D.3
Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study can establish a causal relationship
between variables, free from the influence of confounding factors. Several threats can
compromise internal validity, including:
History:
• Events occurring during the study that are unrelated to the treatment but may affect
participants' responses.
Maturation:
• Changes within participants over time that occur naturally and are not related to the
experimental treatment.
Testing:
• The effect of taking a test on subsequent administrations of the same test.
Instrumentation:
• Changes in measurement tools or procedures that can affect outcomes.
Statistical Regression:
• The tendency for extreme scores to move toward the average upon retesting.
Selection Bias:
• Systematic differences between groups before the intervention.
Attrition:
• Loss of participants during a study, which can lead to non-equivalent groups.
Selection-Maturation Interaction:
• When groups mature at different rates, affecting outcomes.
Diffusion or Imitation of Treatments:
• When the control group learns about the treatment and imitates it.
Compensatory Rivalry:
