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| #262 Poster Session – OBM |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 4:30 PM–5:20 PM |
| Exhibit Hall D (Hynes) |
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| 132. The Behavioral Research Supervisory System: Helping Graduate and Undergraduate Students Prevent Procrastination |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| CHRISTEN A. RAE (Western Michigan University), Kendra S. Priest (Western Michigan University), Kirrily Kennedy (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The Behavioral Research Supervisory System (BRSS) was originally designed to increase the productivity and reduce procrastination of graduate as well as undergraduate students as related to various subsystems within the Behavior Analysis Training System. Through monitoring these projects the entire semester, students are more likely to produce higher quality products by the required deadlines. The BRSS is also responsible for monitoring undergraduate students working on Departmental Honors Theses. Point contingencies resulting in a final grade, for the semester, are placed on the completion of weekly goals which are either set by the student or required as described in the individual syllabus for that project. The BRSS manager(s) is responsible for tracking these weekly goals, system products and providing feedback to both the graduate and undergraduate students. Points are assigned in regards to the students completion of those tasks. In addition to tracking each student's progress on his/her project, the BRSS manager is required to run a weekly research and development (R&D) meeting. During these meetings, the manager will meet with both graduate and undergraduate students, check response products, and answer any questions. |
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| 133. Creation and Organization of Graduate Student Materials into a CD Manual |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| BETH WOLF (Western Michigan University), Alicia Wargowsky-Kendall (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Within the Behavior Analysis Training System at Western Michigan University is a graduate seminar which allows students to finish their thesis in a timely manner and supervise undergraduates in the Honors Seminar. The goal of the seminar is to ensure that the graduate students complete all tasks within their project, as well as timely completion of their thesis. Overall, the seminar attempts to decrease students’ procrastination on these projects.
Organization is essential to the success of the seminar. Because there are many supervision skills needed as well as instructional materials, resources must be current and easy to use. During previous semesters, materials were distributed through printouts and email. The previous method of delivering information to the students was unorganized and confusing. Through the creation of the manual materials can be easily found and accessed in one solitary location. The documents were often misplaced or unattainable through faulty email accounts. Along with organizational efforts, certain resources including assignment guides and job aids needed to be revised or completely created. Data will be recorded upon evaluation of the new CD manual through surveys completed by the graduate students. |
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| 134. Revision of Undergraduate Psychology Honors Instructional Design Materials |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| AMY L. ROSENBERG (Western Michigan University), Alicia Wargowsky-Kendall (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Within the Behavior Analysis Training System at Western Michigan University is an undergraduate Honors Seminar which allows students to improve their Applied Behavior Analysis skills. This seminar is entitled Behavioral Research Supervisory System (BRSS). The students enrolled in BRSS are working towards Departmental Honors and must complete an undergraduate thesis. The goal of the BRSS system is to ensure that the undergraduate students complete all tasks within their project, as well as timely completion of their thesis. Overall, BRSS attempts to decrease students’ procrastination on these projects.
Organization is key to the success of this system. Because BRSS supervises many undergraduate students, materials must be current and easy to use. During previous semesters, materials were delivered via printouts and a large CD manual. The CD manual used previously improved the system organization, although there were still challenges. The manual was too large to be effective, and thus needed more organization. The documents, assignment guides, and job aids were often hard to find. Along with organizational efforts, the job aids used to complete thesis assignments also needed to be revised and updated. Data will be recorded upon evaluation of the improved CD manual through surveys completed by the undergraduate students. |
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| 135. Behavior Analysis Training System Website |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| MARIA K. BAERKIRCHER (Western Michigan University), Masayuki Shiraishi (Western Michigan University), Richard W. Malott (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The Behavior Analysis Training System Website is a tool by which the world can explore the graduate program designed by Dr. Richard W. Malott of Western Michigan University called the Behavior Analysis Training System (BATS). This website has been designed and maintained to describe and discuss the various components and research interests of BATS. People from all over the world, including students, faculty, and professionals, can benefit from the information that the website provides. This project exists to support the BATS program in its goal to produce high quality behavior analysts at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The BATS website is continuously updated with current information of BATS and the BATS subsystems. Improvements to the website and to the information found on the website are continuously trying to be made. The BATS website is also a tool by which the world can explore the book, Principles of Behavior, and other work done by Dr. Richard W. Malott. |
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| 136. Creating Financial Fluency: Shaping Accurate Financial Projections in a University Setting |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| CRISTIN D. HARRISON (University of Nevada, Reno), Linda J. Parrott Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: The University of Nevada Reno Behavior Analysis Program runs many different businesses as part of its self-capitalized model. One such business is the Satellite Masters Programs, where Masters level education is delivered at sites all over North America in a face-to face format. This business is overseen by a Director that monitors not only educational but financial issues. Graduate Student Assistant Directors are in charge of monitoring income and spending, in coordination with the financial team and the Director, as well as projecting future net income in upcoming months throughout the fiscal year. This intervention will evaluate a monthly financial reporting system that includes feedback to increase the accuracy of the net income reporting by the Assistant Directors of the Satellite Masters Programs. |
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| 137. Implementing A Graphic Feedback System To Promote Staff Performance |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| JEFFERY SMITH (Timber Ridge Ranch NeuroRestorative) |
| Abstract: This study utilized a multiply baseline design across subjects to increase work productivity/ standards (i.e., providing functional activities to clients, positive interactions, and etc...) amongst residental staff and to improve environmental living conditions/guidelines (i.e., hazard free, cleanliness, and etc...) at a facility that serves individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Baseline was conducted by training various clinicians to periodically probe staff and the residence twice daily by randomly selecting staff (using a table of random numbers and assigning staff to a particular number) to be observed for 10 minutes using a 10 second time sample during their respected shifts. The environmental observations consisted of a brief walk through of the residence. Standards for both staff interactions/expectations and environmental guidelines were scored on a checklist. Feedback was provided to staff by designating them each with a number (last four digits of social security number) and placing their scores according to their performance on graphs and posting them in the staff's office. Personal performance was listed individually, however the staff were scored as a group for the environmental checklist and therefore their scores were not listed ambiuously. A copy of both checklists were also provided to staff. Results indicate an increase in performance and professionalism of the staff and the guidelines for the residence expected to be upheld on a consistent daily basis. |
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| 138. Using Instructional Posting to Improve Compliance with the Utilization of an Automated Point-of-Use Inventory System |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| ANDREA MORGAN (University of Nevada, Reno), Linda J. Parrott Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno), Rachel S. F. Tarbox (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: Compliance with the utilization of an automated point-of-use inventory system in a major local hospital was investigated. Archival reports had indicated low levels of compliance by nursing and support staff in the communication of supplies needed and stocked by materials management. Utilization of the inventory system has implemented hospital-wide as the primary source of communication between nursing staff and materials management. A modified reversal design (ABCACD) was used to measure the effects of instructional posting on the utilization of the inventory system. A treatment package, consisting of goal setting, feedback, reinforcement, and instructional posting was implemented with a return to baseline. The treatment package was removed and instructional postings were reinstated with verbal feedback to measure the maintenance of treatment gains. Performance checklist and reliability was found at 100% throughout the study. The purpose of the current study was to improve nursing and support staff compliance levels with the utilization of an automated inventory system. |
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| 139. The Effects of Immediate Feedback and a Monthly Lottery on Acquisition and Maintenance of tutoring skills in an intensive behavioral treatment facility |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| KENNETH MACALEESE (University of Nevada, Reno), Ginger R. Wilson (University of Nevada, Reno), Patrick M. Ghezzi (University of Nevada, Reno), Janice K. Doney (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: A common observation in many intensive behavioral treatment facilities is that job descriptions can be complex, and the skills required to fulfill the job are not always maintained after initial training (Reid & Whitman, 1983). Previous research has demonstrated the effects of immediate feedback (e.g., Parsons, Schepis, Reid, McCarn, & Green, 1987; Ivancic, Reid, Iwata, Faw, & Page, 1981) and lotteries (Iwata, Bailey, Brown, Foshee, & Alpern, 1976) in the maintenance of many staff behaviors. This study extends on the previous research by examining the individual effects of feedback with the additional effects of a lottery. This intervention’s simplicity and efficacy aids in the development of staff training and maintenance treatment packages. |
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| 140. Performance Management in a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| KARA M. HARTMAN (Southern Illinois University), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University) |
| Abstract: We investigated the behavioral data collection of direct care and nursing staff in a long term care facility for the elderly. Data collection was monitored over a period of six weeks, for sixteen residents of the nursing home. As part of their job, staff members were requested to collect data only when disruptive, aggressive, or emotional behaviors were emitted by any of the residents. After the initial three week period of baseline, a change in the data collection method and data sheets was introduced for eight of the 16 targeted residents. For this experimental group, staff were requested to collect data each shift, regardless of if the targeted problematic behaviors occurred or not. In other words, the response cost for recording data was now made equal. The alteration of procedure and data sheet for the experimental group led to a marked increase in the frequency of problematic behaviors reported. The control group frequency of recorded instances of problem behavior remained the same throughout the duration of the study. When the frequency of problematic behaviors is tied directly to external funding for staffing supports, the accurate collection of the data are critical. We have demonstrated that by a simple altering the response effort for data collection, more accurate data will be reported. |
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| 141. Driving under the influence of safety belts: Data From Primary and Secondary Enforcement Conditions |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| ASHWINI BAPAT (Central Michigan University), Carl Merle Johnson (Central Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Differences in safety-belt wearing among drivers in different cohorts were examined under primary and secondary enforcement conditions. Data from seven years ago under secondary enforcement conditions ($25 fine) were collected from three different locations (downtown, campus, & freeway entrance) in a north central university town. Safety-belt wearing was observed again in these three locations with the state's primary enforcement ($50 fine for noncompliance). Further, cell phone usage while driving was monitored in this second cohort. Finally, feedback to drivers and incentives for compliance with state law was assessed. |
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| 142. A Descriptive Analysis of Bias in Observational Data Recording of Driver Safety |
| Area: OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| ANGELA R. LEBBON (Western Michigan University), John Austin (Western Michigan University), Ron Van Houten (Mount Saint Vincent University) |
| Abstract: During the course of a study designed to evaluate a shift-interlock delay system on the safety belt use of drivers, both automatic and observational data were collected on safety belt use. Further, observational data alone were collected for the drivers’ complete stopping at stop signs and turn signal use. Detailed analyses of these data suggest there are potentially biasing factors that researchers should consider when conducting similar observational research in the area of driver safety. For example, the current analyses found that both construction and oncoming traffic substantially affected driver stopping patterns at the targeted stop sign. Data will be presented on these complete stopping results. Data will be presented for three maintenance vehicle drivers on a university campus. Data were also collected on university and civilian vehicles that were not exposed to the construction changes. Results on complete stopping during construction will be presented as an ABA design for all participants. Data were analyzed as a reversal design in the context of a two-variable factorial design (construction/no-construction, and forced/unforced stops). Therefore, the independent variables included the occurrence of construction on the targeted road, forcing vehicles to use alternative side streets; and occasions when oncoming traffic was present or absent at the time the stop was required (i.e., forced stops or unforced stops). The dependent variable was the percentage of complete stops at the target stop sign. Results for university vehicles suggest the percentage of forced stops was 83.7% during pre-construction, 93.8% during construction, and 82.8% during post-construction. The percentage of unforced safe stops was 5.8% during pre-construction, 0% during construction, and 3.0% during post-construction. Results for civilian vehicles suggest the percentage of forced stops was 80.5% during pre-construction, 100% during construction, and 80.9% during post-construction. The percentage of unforced complete stops was 3.3 % during pre-construction, 1.9% during construction, and 3.5% during post-construction. The implications of the study are that researchers must consider traffic patterns when conducting driving safety research, as traffic patterns alone seem to produce dramatically different driving patterns. That is, in driver safety research the percentage of vehicles completely stopping may be a function of traffic flow forcing the vehicles to stop or allowin... |
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