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| #95 Poster Session – TPC |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 5:30 PM–7:00 PM |
| Exhibit Hall D (Hynes) |
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| 140. Enhancing Accuracy on Moderately Challenging Tasks by Interspersing Additional Easier Tasks |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| HOLLY M. HUTCHINS (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), Sara J. McCane (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), Elizabeth McCallum (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), Christopher Skinner (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), Steve McCallum (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) |
| Abstract: When engaged in activities comprised of multiple discrete tasks, some researchers found that interspersing additional brief, easy tasks enhanced accuracy on the more difficult tasks, while others found no difference. Robinson and Skinner (2002) found evidence suggesting that the interspersal procedure may enhance performance on tasks that require higher levels of attention. We used a within-subjects design to extend research on the interspersal procedure. Students were read numerals and repeated then backwards (higher attention tasks) and forwards (moderate attention tasks). Results showed no change in accuracy on numbers backward when the interspersal procedure was implemented. On the numbers forward assignment, 52% did better on the interspersal condition, 33% did better on the control, and 15% showed no difference. Interactions were not significant. These results failed to support the hypothesis that the interspersal procedure would enhance performance on tasks requiring more attention. These results, coupled with previous research suggest the interspersal procedure may enhance accuracy on moderately challenging tasks, as opposed to easy or difficult tasks. Because this finding has implication for educators who often assign students moderately difficult tasks, future research is needed to identify conditions when the interspersal procedure enhances performance and when it has no effect. |
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| 141. Are Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Analysis adhering to their roots? A reference analysis of JABA and JOBM |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| BECKY A. JOHNSON (University of Nevada, Reno), Horacio Ricardo Roman (University of Nevada, Reno), Ramona Houmanfar (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: As an adaptive science, the experimental analysis of behavior (TEAB) has continuously evolved over the years. Along the way, applications of the principles derived from TEAB to address “real” life problems appeared in the literature and became lone-standing sub-disciplines, namely applied behavior analysis and organizational behavior analysis. The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) is the flagship journal for applied behavior analysis and the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM) is the flagship journal for Organizational Behavior Analysis (also referred to as Organizational Behavior Management, Performance Management, and Behavioral Systems Analysis). Arguably, the most salient and important feature that characterizes these sub-disciplines is their scientific roots in TEAB. Accordingly, one would expect some adherence to these roots over time. To examine the extent to which these journals adhere to the experimental analysis of behavior a reference analysis of a random sample of articles published in JABA and JOBM since their inception year was conducted. Results and interpretations of these analyses are provided. |
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| 142. Trends in Presentations at the Annual Conventions of the Association for Behavior Analysis |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| BRIAN D. KANGAS (University of North Texas), Manish Vaidya (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: The annual convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis has grown at a tremendous rate. This study sought to examine presentation trends at the annual conventions. Existing convention programs and major descriptors were used to count and categorize the programmed events (defined as paper sessions, symposia, and panel discussions). A widely distributed sample of 10 years shows that 1) the overall number of presentations has almost doubled; and 2) that the proportion of basic, applied and theoretical talks has remained constant. These data argue against observations that the conventions have become more and more applied in focus. The study also attempts to track more content specific changes in presentation trends (OBM, EAB, Autism, Education, etc.). The implications of using these kinds of analyses to gauge how the field has developed will be discussed. |
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| 143. A Survey of Treatment Integrity in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 1991-2003 |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| JEREMY M. HOF (Jacksonville State University), Michael C. Clayton (Jacksonville State University) |
| Abstract: Establishing a functional relationship between the independent and the dependent variable is the primary focus of applied behavior analysis. Accurate and reliable description and observation of both the independent and dependent variables are necessary to achieve this goal. Considerable attention has focused on ensuring the integrity of the dependent variable in the behavior analytic literature but similar effort has not be directed at ensuring the integrity of the independent variable. Incomplete descriptions of the application of the independent variable may threaten the reliability and validity of operant research data. A survey of articles in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis between 1991 and 2003 demonstrated that the majority of articles published do not use any assessment of the actual occurrence of the independent variable and a significant number do not provide operational definitions of the independent variable. The importance of ensuring the integrity of the independent variable is described. |
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