Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Various Array Sizes On The Skill Acquisition Of Auditory-Visual Conditional Discriminations, Ashlee Parks

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Common skills frequently taught to young learners in early childhood often include simple and conditional discriminations of stimuli. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different array sizes presented to a learner when teaching auditory-visual conditional discriminations. An alternating treatments design was used to determine which array size led to the quickest and longest maintained skill acquisition. The researcher tested one participant’s ability to identify a shape from arrays of four, six, and nine. During baseline, the researcher observed low levels of responding in each array indicating this was not a skill the learner had in …

Fading Reinforcement Within High-Probability Request Sequences, Morgan Mabery

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Following Mace at al.’s (1988) seminal article, which first established the efficacy of the high-probability request sequence, further research on the high-p sequence has examined the factors which impact the effectiveness of the sequence. Wilder et al.’s (2015) research supports that the use of programmed reinforcement within high-p sequences is critically important for the procedure’s effectiveness. Some research has supported the efficacy of fading the number of high-p requests presented while maintaining responding, yet no research thus far has examined the use of fading reinforcement and its effects on maintenance of responding. The present study aimed to replicate the findings …

The Impacts Of Teacher's Pride Skill Acquisition On Student Challenging Behavior, Haley Gardner

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of teacher’s PRIDE (praise, reflection, imitation, description, and enjoyment) skill acquisition on student challenging behavior using direct measurement. PRIDE skills are positive attention skills that have demonstrated success in improving teacher-student rapport as well as reducing student maladaptive behavior within the classroom setting. A multiple baseline across behaviors design was used to assess the impacts of P + R and I + D pairings on the dependent variable, student behavior. Behavioral skills training (BST) and feedback was used to teach and maintain PRIDE skill acquisition in the intervention phases. Due …

A Component Analysis Of Behavioral Skills Training In Teaching And Maintaining Social Skills In An Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hannah Lockwood

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Modern social skills literature show the use of behavioral skills training (BST) and role-play in social skills instruction in small-group and school-based settings, although there is limited research measuring the effects of components of the BST package in maintaining social behaviors. The purpose of the present study, in response to the work of Kornacki et al. (2013), was to measure the effectiveness of the role-play and feedback components of BST in maintaining social skills. A multiple-baseline design across behaviors was used to measure social skills acquisition across different behavior domains for an adolescent participant with autism spectrum disorder. The participant …

Varied Versus Non-Varied Behavior-Specific Praise On Student On-Task Behavior, Courtney West

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of praise variety on student behavior, by assessing how varied and non-varied behavior-specific praise statements affect student on-task behavior. An alternating treatments design was used to compare the two praise conditions. During baseline, participants were not provided with any feedback on their interactions with students. Following baseline, instructions were given to teachers on the two skills (varied and non-varied BSP) and the experimental phase began. In the experimental phase, participants alternated between a condition providing varied BSP to students and a condition providing non-varied BSP to students. The results of …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Collaboration Between School Psychologists And Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts, Taylor J. Bronaugh

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of communication styles brought on by distanced learning and its effect on collaboration for school psychologists and Bord Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs). Prior studies have addressed collaboration habits between these school-based professionals. The current study aims to analyze the impact that COVID-19 had on these practitioners’ collaboration habits and to investigate their current communication and collaboration habits. A mixed methods locally developed anonymous survey was created and used for data collection. Participants were recruited through social-media groups and via word-of-mouth sharing. 20 school-based practitioners shared their perceptions and experiences with …

Coaching In Differential Attention And Pride Skills During Child Directed Interactions For Siblings Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Ava Sardoni

Dissertations, 2020-current

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) are an increasingly-common presentation that is often associated with significant behavioral and relational challenges. NDDs can impact multiple areas of functioning including social, academic, and adaptive functioning. As NDDs are developmental disorders in nature, they are often lifelong conditions that require intensive treatments and adaptations throughout the lifespan. One of the most important predictors of success and fulfillment for a child with an NDD is the support from the family system.

Siblings of a child with an NDD are often neglected from the conversation of supports and treatments for children with NDDs. However, challenging behaviors often associated …

The Effects Of A Self-Recording Procedure On Student’S On-Task Behavior, Maria Leventhal

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This study investigated the isolated effects of self-management on students on-task behavior through an operant analysis. Two elementary-aged students, receiving ABA services at a special education school were taught to self-record their on-task behavior using a Gymboss miniMAX timer that cued them at variable intervals. Following baseline, students were trained to self-record using Behavior Skills Training. A series of phases was then implemented to gradually increase the intervals. To isolate the effects of self-recording, feedback and reinforcement were not provided. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, a functional relation was demonstrated between self-recording and on-task behavior.

Using Free-Operant Preference Assessments And Reinforcer Evaluations To Measure The Stability Of Preferences Over Time In Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Lindsey Histand

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The present study investigated the stability of preferences over time using an alternating treatment multielement design across participants. The participants were children between the ages of eight and twelve with developmental disabilities, who also displayed interfering behaviors. The study had a baseline condition and two experimental conditions. During the first condition, the therapist provided contingent reinforcement for correct responses during reinforcer evaluations using highest preferred items. During the second condition, the therapist provided contingent reinforcement for correct responses during reinforcer evaluations using least preferred items. Repeated measures of free-operant preference assessments produced participants’ preference rankings, thus identifying highest and least …

Using Video Prompting For Daily Living Skill Acquisition In Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Meghan Park Mitchell

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The current study examined the effects of video prompting on the acquisition of a daily living skill with adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). A multiple baseline across participants design was used to assess whether a video prompting procedure was able to teach adults with IDD a daily living skill with minimal socially mediated instruction. It was found that performance increased once the intervention was applied. Future directions for research and application in teaching daily living skills to adults with IDD are discussed.

Effects Of Reading Intervention On Behavior Outcomes Of Middle School Students: A Rapid Review, Davina Putz

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Reading is one of the most valuable skills acquired in life with tremendous effects on future success in education, professional career, and daily living. While effective reading instruction continues to be focus of elementary school education, some students proceed to middle and high school stuck on an elementary grade reading level. Below grade level reading ability can result in numerous behavioral and academic struggles at the secondary level. The current study systematically investigated the body of research evaluating effects of reading interventions on behavior outcomes. Five publications met inclusionary criteria to be further analyzed using narrative synthesis and visual analysis …

An Analysis Of Behavior Management Strategies Used Within Parent-Child Interaction Therapy To Facilitate Verbalizations By Children With Developmental Disabilities, Megan Barnes

Masters Theses, 2020-current

We examined the effects of the procedures recommended for interventions using the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) protocols on child verbalizations. The effects of the procedures of Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) were examined in a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design. Two seven-year-old participants with developmental disabilities and language delay experienced a baseline condition followed by two experimental conditions during a free play environment. A range of child toys were rotated systematically throughout the study. The total number of therapist-child interactions remained consistent across all experimental conditions. The experimenter received bug-in-the-ear feedback about her use of the therapy components in order to …

Analyzing The Validity Of Self-Reports Of Emotional Responding Using An Electronic Device, Tiffany E. Shiflet

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The assessment of internal behaviors such as thoughts, feelings, or physiological symptoms not seen by the naked eye are often assessed with indirect measures such as self-reports and questionnaires given the lack of accessibility and observations by outside observers. The self-management of human behaviors, including internal events, carries socially valid implications for an individual’s quality of life, including children and individuals with neurological, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to address the following question: are there valid measurement procedures (e.g., collecting data on physiological responses) to analyze the correspondence between self-reports of emotional states and observable and measurable overt …

Relation Between Academic Advisor And Cohort Support With Well-Being In Graduate Students, Morgan Delong

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Well-being issues like the limitations of typical treatment protocols and common mitigating factors for mental health problems for graduate students, specifically the importance of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) were explored. The current study aims to determine if TLCs, individual engagement in the TLCs as well as support of them by mentors and peers, predict overall well-being, satisfaction with the graduate program, and job stress in masters’ students. This study was conducted during COVID-19 which is a limitation.

Effects Of First- And Third-Person Point Of View On The Acquisition Of Behaviors Using Video Modeling, Robert Harper Iii

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Video modeling is an evidence-based practice for teaching behaviors and chains of behaviors to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the viewing perspective of these models played a role in influencing a learner’s acquisition of the target behavior or behaviors. An adapted alternating treatments design was used to examine the effects of these different perspectives affected the learning of two similar behavioral chains in a learner with ASD. Video models from both viewing perspectives were provided to the learner with no additional prompting other than brief verbal acknowledgement of a step’s …

Finding Reinforcers: Using Behavior Skills Training Over Telehealth To Instruct Educators To Perform Preference Assessments With Students., Anastasia Yuschak

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Future and current educators working with students in an early childhood education setting should use positive reinforcement for their students to increase behaviors. If proper assessment of student preferences is ignored reinforcers used in a classroom will prove to be insufficient. The present research sought to determine the feasibility of using behavioral skill training (BST) over a telehealth platform to teach paired stimulus preference assessments to educators. The feasibility of this platform is evident by the rapid skill acquisition and mastery of two preschool educators who accurately completed the component skill necessary to develop a preferential hierarchy. This paper will …

The Effects Of Reinforcer Magnitude And Distribution Of Preference For Work Schedules When Working On Skill Acquisition Tasks, Valencia Pankey

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The present study's purpose was to examine preference for continuous versus discontinuous work schedules as the magnitude of reinforcement is manipulated. The magnitude of reinforcement was manipulated in the initially preferred work schedule, while the magnitude of reinforcement was held constant throughout the study for the other work schedule. The participant used the work schedule while working on math skill acquisition tasks. The participant was exposed first to the different work schedules and then was given a choice to choose a work schedule. The chosen work schedule was then used for that work session. The participant showed an initial preference …

Better Together? Effects Of Dyadic Collaboration On Intertemporal Preference, Emily Edgington

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Abstract

Intertemporal choices have been researched extensively in the context of individual choices. However, empirical evidence is absent regarding intertemporal preferences when two individuals collaborate on a choice task. This study aimed to compare the rates of discounting under the condition of dyadic collaboration and individual decisions. Furthermore, this study examined the collaboration sessions in an online video conferencing platform. Results showed a strong, positive correlation between average individual discounting rates and corresponding dyad rates of discounting. The findings of this study should be considered when making intertemporal decisions.

Key Words: delay discounting, group decision-making, online collaboration

The Effects Of Video Prompting In Completion Of Activities Of Daily Living For Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Jessica Hiter

Masters Theses, 2020-current

According to the Brain Injury Association of America (2020), more than 3.5 million experience acquired brain injuries (ABI) every year in the United States. With improving medical treatment, more individuals are surviving ABI; however, many rehabilitation facilities focus on the physical abilities of the individual rather than regaining independence in daily living skills. Video models have been used with success to teach daily living skills to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, however, little research exists on the use of different types of video models to teach those skills to individuals with traumatic brain injury. The purpose of the present …

Effects Of A Visual Script With Multiple Peer Responses On The Reciprocal Responses Of Preschool-Aged Children During Play, Shea Manship

Masters Theses, 2020-current

A primary focus of many early childhood educational settings is the development of appropriate play skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a visual script that included multiple peer responses on the participants’ appropriate reciprocal responses to peers during play time. A concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to determine if the use of the visual script would increase the number of appropriate reciprocal responses to peers, and if the average duration of play following successful initiation would increase. The researcher observed two preschool-aged children during free play. During free play, the …

Using Differential Reinforcement And Stimulus Control To Decrease Child Elopement And Increase Engagement In Play, Emory C. Bruno

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to use a specialized form of differential attention to increase the length of time a child is able to remain within close proximity of an adult during play. The therapist used two sets of skills in the context of play, one for when the child was within close proximity, and the other for when the child was not. The close proximity skills were adapted from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, an evidence-based therapy designed to create and maintain positive interactions between parent and child. The second skill set consisted of positive play statements and descriptive play …

Using Behavioral Skills Training And Video Examples To Teach Undergraduates To Identify The Function Of Behaviors, Eliana A. Segal

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This study investigated the relative effectiveness and efficiency of three different training sequences in teaching undergraduate students in psychology and/or special education to identify the function of undesirable behaviors in video examples. The study also evaluated whether the procedures were effective in promoting the generalization from videos of role-played practitioner-child interactions to videos of children displaying undesirable behaviors similar to those depicted in the training videos, but in naturalistic environments. Behavior skills training (BST) and multiple exemplar training were utilized in all three training sequences. The data were supposed to be analyzed through a multiple baseline across participants embedded within …

The Effects Of Training Modality On Acquisition Of Therapeutic Skills Using Behavior Skills Training (Bst): In-Vivo Vs. Tele-Training Modality, Sabrena Samuel

Masters Theses, 2020-current

With the small number of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) located outside of the United States, there is a continually increasing demand for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services across the globe. It is critical, therefore, to develop widely accessible, ethically compliant and effective ways to train clinicians to implement ABA procedures and interventions. With advancements in technology, online modalities can be an efficient and effective alternative to train clinicians across a wide range geographically. This study compared the effectiveness of a behavioral skills training (BST) training package used to teach the implementation of the first three phases of the picture exchange …

A Comparison Of Technology Based And Non-Technology Based Self-Monitoring Systems Towards Increasing On-Task Behavior In Students With Disabilities, Cindy Steele May

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The goal of this study is to provide educators, schools systems, behavior analysts and families with a study through single case experimentation to determine if a technology based self-monitoring system is more efficient in increasing on-task behavior for students than a non-technology based self-monitoring system. The researcher will utilize both technology based and non-technology based self-monitoring systems with three middle school students who have an educational eligibility of either autism or an emotional disability. The researcher will collect interobserver agreement with the students as they self-monitor to ensure that each student is utilizing self-monitoring correctly. Both self-monitoring systems will be …

The Use Of Behavior Skills Training And Behaviorally Based Interventions In Memory Care, Claire Gallagher

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

The current study examines the effects of using Behavior Skills Training (BST), an evidenced-based practice for teaching, to train direct care staff members in a Memory Care Community to employ a multi-component, behaviorally-based intervention with residents that have a memory impairment. This study utilizes single case methodology with a stacked AB design replicated across three staff members, three residents, and three transition environments. The design is comprised of a baseline condition, training with BST, a post-training condition with in-vivo coaching, and a maintenance probe. Results include an increase in the percent independence with which staff participants accurately complete the …

Using An Eye-Tracking Training Paradigm To Teach Responsiveness To Joint Attention, Allison C. Brandmark

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Joint Attention (JA) is a social interaction in which attention is concurrently managed between an object or event and a social partner. One social partner initiates joint attention (IJA) by directing the attention of the other social partner. In return, the other social partner responds to joint attention (RJA) by following the social cues. A deficit in JA, which is commonly seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is correlated with delayed language development and lower levels of communication and social skills. Several studies have successfully trained both IJA and RJA using in-person methodologies. With the development of new technology, …

Using Video-Prompting And Bst To Promote Social Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alexa Ina

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of implementing a combined and integrative Behavior Skills Training (BST) and video-prompting paradigm. The training focused on enhancing social interactions and fostering the development of age-appropriate social skills in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This package included explicit training for generalization, as a means of fostering skill acquisition across untrained people and settings. Social initiation and reciprocal play are fundamental aspects of sustaining and maintaining relationships therefore, the training focused on teaching these two behaviors. The researcher used a quasi-single subject research design to analyze and measure …

Improving Parent-Child Interactions And Generalized Problem-Solving Skills In Families Of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Through Adapted Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Carly Bobal

Dissertations, 2014-2019

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent parent reported diagnosis among children 3-17 years of age. Parents of children with ADHD often evoke more coercive or negative interactions to help manage their child’s behavior. In addition, they report increased levels of family conflict and higher stress levels, which can place stress on couples and other members within the family system. These interactions may lead to negative reinforcement cycles that maintain or worsen problem behaviors of the child. PCIT is well documented in producing positive outcomes for children with other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, or …

Using Constant Time Delay To Coach Caregivers To Teach Their Young Children With Autism The Picture Exchange Communication System Within The Early Intervention Setting, Anna Balfour

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Both Early Intervention (EI) and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) have been proven to be effective with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A relationship between functional communication and behavior has also been noted and described. As individuals learn functional communication, challenging behavior decreases. Early intervention commonly uses PECS to teach children, specifically children with ASD, to communicate. Early intervention can come in different forms, ranging from very intensive daily services to weekly or biweekly visits from service providers. While the literature recommends early intervention, much of it is referencing intensive schedules that are not financially realistic or time …

Effects Of A Lag 3 Schedule Of Reinforcement On The Variability Of Tacting In Individuals Who Engage In Vocal Stereotypy, Jessica K. Serrao

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities may experience rigid or repetitive behaviors, known as stereotypy. Current research determines effective interventions for increasing variability of vocal responding which effectively decrease stereotypic vocal responding. Lag schedules of reinforcement are a common theme among variability of vocal responding research. The purpose of this AB design study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Lag 3 schedule of reinforcement in the teaching of variability of tacting. Results indicated that both variable and novel responses increased after the implementation of the Lag 3 schedule, but since these results are based off …