Abstract
Multiple-baseline and probe procedures are combined into a “multiple-probe” technique. The technique is designed to provide a thorough analysis of the relationship between an independent variable and the acquisition of a successive-approximation or chain sequence. It provides answers to the following questions: (1) What is the initial level of performance on each step in the training sequence? (2) What happens if sequential opportunities to perform each next step in the sequence are provided before training on that step? (3) What happens when training is applied? (4) What happens to the performance of remaining steps in the sequence as criterion is reached in the course of training each prior step? The technique features: (1) one initial probe of each step in the training sequence, (2) an additional probe of every step after criterion is reached on any training step, and (3) a series of “true” baseline sessions conducted just before the introduction of the independent variable to each training step. Intermittent probes also provide an alternative to continuous baseline measurement, when such measurement during extended multiple baselines (1) may prove reactive, (2) is impractical, and/or (3) a strong a priori assumption of stability can be made.
Keywords: multiple baseline, multiple-probe technique, experimental design, methodology, chaining, successive approximation, experimental control
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Baer D. M., Guess D. Receptive training of adjectival inflections in mental retardates. J Appl Behav Anal. 1971 Summer;4(2):129–139. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1971.4-129. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Baer D. M., Wolf M. M., Risley T. R. Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. J Appl Behav Anal. 1968 Spring;1(1):91–97. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Garcia E., Baer D. M., Firestone I. The development of generalized imitation within topographically determined boundaries. J Appl Behav Anal. 1971 Summer;4(2):101–112. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1971.4-101. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hartmann D. P., Hall R. V. The changing criterion design. J Appl Behav Anal. 1976 WINTER;9(4):527–532. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1976.9-527. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Horner R. D. Establishing use of crutches by a mentally retarded spina bifida child. J Appl Behav Anal. 1971 Fall;4(3):183–189. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1971.4-183. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Horner R. D., Keilitz I. Training mentally retarded adolescents to brush their teeth. J Appl Behav Anal. 1975 Fall;8(3):301–309. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1975.8-301. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Panyan M., Boozer H., Morris N. Feedback to attendants as a reinforcer for applying operant techniques. J Appl Behav Anal. 1970 Spring;3(1):1–4. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1970.3-1. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Schumaker J., Sherman J. A. Training generative verb usage by imitation and reinforcement procedures. J Appl Behav Anal. 1970 Winter;3(4):273–287. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1970.3-273. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Stolz S. B. Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of behavior modification in a community setting. Behav Res Ther. 1976;14(6):479–481. doi: 10.1016/0005-7967(76)90095-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Striefel S., Bryan K. S., Aikins D. A. Transfer of stimulus control from motor to verbal stimuli. J Appl Behav Anal. 1974 Spring;7(1):123–135. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1974.7-123. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Striefel S., Wetherby B. Instruction-following behavior of a retarded child and its controlling stimuli. J Appl Behav Anal. 1973 Winter;6(4):663–670. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1973.6-663. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]