SPCE 630 test Questions and Answers
Latest Versions 2025 A+
What are some procedures that provide direct and indirect
measurement?
Direct observation is an example of direct measurement and
questionnaires filled out by parents is an example of indirect
measurement.
Describe the difference between continuous recording and
sampling recording. Give examples of each, and advantages
and disadvantages. How do we do each type of recording?
106-107
Continuous recording is considered the gold standard in applied
behavior analysis as it continuously records behaviors in a
session. sampling recording differs as data is recorded in samples
or increments that have been predetermined. Sample recording
may be utilized when an observer is collecting data for multiple
students at one time.
Name the three threats to measurement accuracy and
reliability.
Human error is the biggest threat to measurement accuracy and
reliability. Factors that contribute to human measurement error
include poorly designed measurement systems, inadequate
observer training and expectations about what the data should
look like.
poorly designed measurement systems
An example would be an unnecessarily cumbersome and difficult
to use measurement system which can create a needless loss of
accuracy and reliability.
inadequate observer training
,observers who are not trained enough. Explicit and systematic
training of observers i essential for the collection of trustworthy
data.
unintended influences on observers
Presuppositions an observer may hold about the expected
outcomes of the data and an observer's awareness that others
are measuring the same behavior.
How do we maximize the quality of observers who are taking
our data? 108-109
Provide a systematic approach that covers methods such as
sample vignettes, narrative descriptions, video sequences, role
playing and practice sessions int eh environment
Describe how we assess the accuracy and reliability of data,
including the differences between obtained and true values
of data. Describe how, if you can, look at data and know
whether those data are obtained or true or both? 110-11
calculate the correspondence of each measure, or datum, asses
to its true value. True values for many behaviors of interest to
ABA are evident and universally accepted or can be established
conditionally by local context. True values for some behaviors are
difficult because the process for determining a true value must be
different from the measurement procedures used to obtain the
data one wishes to compare to the true value.
Why is the interobserver agreement very important to
measurement?
To determine the competence of new observers, detect observer
drift, judge whether the definition of the target behavior is clear
and the system not too difficult to use, and convince others of the
relative believability of the data.
List the requisites for obtaining valid IOA measures
It requires that two or more observers use the same observation
code and measurement system, observe and measure the same
, participants and events, and observer and record the behavior
independent of influence by other observers.
If given some data, be able to calculate IOA using the
preferred method of doing so, based upon the type of
measurement system used to collect those data. If given a
description of a target behavior and context, be able to select
the best observational recording system to use to measure
that behavior. 114-119
...
Summarize the considerations in selecting, obtaining, and
reporting IOA information, including how often IOA should
be collected and acceptable levels of IOA
IOA assessments should occur during each condition and phase
of a study and be distributed across days of the week, times of
day, settings and observers. 80% is the standard acceptable level
of IOA.
accuracy
(of measurement) The extent to which observed values, the data
produced by measuring an event, match the true state, or true
values, of the event as it exists in nature.
believability
The extent to which the researcher convinces herself and others
that the data are trustworthy and deserve interpretation.
Measures of interobserver agreement are the most often used
index of this in applied behavior analysis.
calibration
Any procedure used to evaluate the accuracy of a measurement
system and, when sources of error are found, to use that
information to correct or improve the measurement system.
continuous measurement
Latest Versions 2025 A+
What are some procedures that provide direct and indirect
measurement?
Direct observation is an example of direct measurement and
questionnaires filled out by parents is an example of indirect
measurement.
Describe the difference between continuous recording and
sampling recording. Give examples of each, and advantages
and disadvantages. How do we do each type of recording?
106-107
Continuous recording is considered the gold standard in applied
behavior analysis as it continuously records behaviors in a
session. sampling recording differs as data is recorded in samples
or increments that have been predetermined. Sample recording
may be utilized when an observer is collecting data for multiple
students at one time.
Name the three threats to measurement accuracy and
reliability.
Human error is the biggest threat to measurement accuracy and
reliability. Factors that contribute to human measurement error
include poorly designed measurement systems, inadequate
observer training and expectations about what the data should
look like.
poorly designed measurement systems
An example would be an unnecessarily cumbersome and difficult
to use measurement system which can create a needless loss of
accuracy and reliability.
inadequate observer training
,observers who are not trained enough. Explicit and systematic
training of observers i essential for the collection of trustworthy
data.
unintended influences on observers
Presuppositions an observer may hold about the expected
outcomes of the data and an observer's awareness that others
are measuring the same behavior.
How do we maximize the quality of observers who are taking
our data? 108-109
Provide a systematic approach that covers methods such as
sample vignettes, narrative descriptions, video sequences, role
playing and practice sessions int eh environment
Describe how we assess the accuracy and reliability of data,
including the differences between obtained and true values
of data. Describe how, if you can, look at data and know
whether those data are obtained or true or both? 110-11
calculate the correspondence of each measure, or datum, asses
to its true value. True values for many behaviors of interest to
ABA are evident and universally accepted or can be established
conditionally by local context. True values for some behaviors are
difficult because the process for determining a true value must be
different from the measurement procedures used to obtain the
data one wishes to compare to the true value.
Why is the interobserver agreement very important to
measurement?
To determine the competence of new observers, detect observer
drift, judge whether the definition of the target behavior is clear
and the system not too difficult to use, and convince others of the
relative believability of the data.
List the requisites for obtaining valid IOA measures
It requires that two or more observers use the same observation
code and measurement system, observe and measure the same
, participants and events, and observer and record the behavior
independent of influence by other observers.
If given some data, be able to calculate IOA using the
preferred method of doing so, based upon the type of
measurement system used to collect those data. If given a
description of a target behavior and context, be able to select
the best observational recording system to use to measure
that behavior. 114-119
...
Summarize the considerations in selecting, obtaining, and
reporting IOA information, including how often IOA should
be collected and acceptable levels of IOA
IOA assessments should occur during each condition and phase
of a study and be distributed across days of the week, times of
day, settings and observers. 80% is the standard acceptable level
of IOA.
accuracy
(of measurement) The extent to which observed values, the data
produced by measuring an event, match the true state, or true
values, of the event as it exists in nature.
believability
The extent to which the researcher convinces herself and others
that the data are trustworthy and deserve interpretation.
Measures of interobserver agreement are the most often used
index of this in applied behavior analysis.
calibration
Any procedure used to evaluate the accuracy of a measurement
system and, when sources of error are found, to use that
information to correct or improve the measurement system.
continuous measurement
