Discussion 1: Selecting an appropriate measurement system

ompletion requirements

A behavior analyst is asked to measure aggression in a classroom, defined as hitting, kicking, or pushing peers. The behavior occurs frequently and at variable durations, and multiple staff members will be collecting data during the day.

1. Identify two measurement systems that could be used to record this behavior (e.g., event recording, duration, interval recording).
2. Compare the advantages and limitations of each system in this context.
3. Explain how the nature of the behavior (rate, duration, and environmental conditions) should guide the selection of the most appropriate measurement procedure.
4. Discuss how selecting an inappropriate measurement system could lead to inaccurate conclusions about treatment effectiveness.

Length: 400 words

Reading

• Cooper et al. (2020) Chapters 4-5