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| Software Tools for Direct Observation: Hands-On Learning of ObserverWare for Services Providers and Researchers |
| Friday, May 26, 2017 |
| 4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
| Convention Center 403/404 |
| Area: PRA/EDC; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Thomas L. Sharpe, Jr., Ed.D. |
| THOMAS L. SHARPE, JR. (Educational Consulting, Inc.; ABA Therapy Solutions, LLC), JOHN KOPERWAS (Educational Consulting, Inc.) |
| Description: This workshop will provide hands on application of a user friendly software package designed to collect and analyze discrete and time-based behavioral data for evaluation and feedback applications in direct observation client settings. Workshop information is useful to direct services providers, graduate students, behavioral psychologists, CBA professionals, and researchers -- all interested in analyzing complex configurations of behaviors emitted at high rates, oftentimes overlap in time, and which are context dependent. Discussion includes (a) recommended procedures when collecting time-based data in the live setting and from videotape records, and (b) computer generated behavior descriptions, graphic displays, statistical analyses and reliability comparisons of data files when engaged in data analysis, data based feedback, and assessment of data integrity. Participants will be provided with all workshop presentation materials and a complimentary downloadable copy of the complete software package along with a .pdf file summary copy of a compatible research methods text published by Sage Publications. Content has obtained credibility, as demonstrated by the involvement of the broader practice, education, and science communities in study and application of findings, procedures, practices, and theoretical concepts. Workshop participants will need to bring an IBM compatible laptop and/or an iPad to facilitate hands-on workshop interactions. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to: (1) construct and apply systemic observation systems;(2) generate a time-based behavioral record using an inclusive overlapping category system; (3)construct graphic representations; (4)perform traditional and sequential analyses using multiple measurement methodologies; (5)edit graphic data representations and apply relevant visual and statistical analyses; (6) conduct reliability and treatment fidelity analyses; (7) apply a variety of data record, edit, and merge functions when operating with complex multiple event category systems; (8) discuss the principles and practice of discrete and sequential behavior analysis methods; (9) apply a range of computer-based data collection, data analysis, data based feedback, and reliability procedures to their particular behavior analysis interests; (10) understand and apply a range of computer-based descriptive and statistical data analysis techniques in relation to discrete and sequential data sets; (11) construct a variety of behavior graphs and apply appropriate analysis and client feedback techniques to the graph types covered, and in relation to direct wervices and applied research application examples. |
| Activities: Activities include: (1) review of traditional behavior analysis recording methods; (2) introduction to, and hands on application of, a computer-based package designed to enhance behavior analyses of complex interactive settings; (3) detailed hands-on demonstration of data collection features, discrete and sequential analysis capabilities, within and across data-file graphic representations, and a variety of reliability, treatment fidelity, and data manipulation and editing functions; all designed to facilitate applied activities in behavior planning, assessment, treatment, feedback, and ongoing observation of a variety of settings and environments. The format combines lecture, small group and individualized activities, guided practice, and competency facilitating exercises. |
| Audience: Direct services providers, graduate students, behavior analysts, CBA and related therapists working in a variety of applied and experimental settings who are interested in the interactive nature of behavior in situations where study of multiple behaviors and events, multiple participants, and changing setting variables are present. Those working in educational and social science settings and who are challenged with how to describe and analyze highly interactive behavioral transactions should find the workshop experience and complimentary software particularly appealing to a wide range of research and assessment applications. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |