Using Data to Determine Intervention: Removing the Guesswork

Mary Magee Quinn, Ph.D.

Principal Research Scientist

American Institutes for Research

Ways to Strengthen Measurement of Behavior

Clearly define behavior(s) and regularly review definition(s).

Assure that observers and interviewers have adequate training and experience.

Select appropriate assessment strategies for behavior(s) and context(s).

Ways to Strengthen Measurement of Behavior (continued)

Collect information across time and settings using multiple strategies and persons.

Conduct routine checks of the accuracy of observer scoring/recording procedures.

Ways to Compensate for Questionable FA MeasuresValidity

Use multi-step procedure to narrow focus or “zero in” on likely determinants and most appropriate measure(s); and,

Vary social and environmental conditions for measuring behavior.

Ways to Compensate for Questionable FA Measures (continued)

Reliability Establish convergent database; and, Rely on team decision-making.

Ways to Validate Behavioral Hypothesis

Functional analysis under contrived conditions;

Functional analysis in natural setting; and,Hypothesis-based intervention and

evaluation.

Data Triangulation to Assess Behavior

Direct observationSetting events checklistStudent interviewsInformant surveys

Data Triangulation to Assess Behavior (continued)

Review of incident reportsScatterplotARC chartOther

Problem Pathway Analysis

Temporal and sequential record of: Setting events; Precipitating events; Target behavior; and, Maintaining consequences.

Issues to Consider in Devising a Behavior Intervention Plan

1. Is it possible to rearrange social/ physical environment to prevent student from engaging in behavior that results in negative outcomes?

2. Is desired behavior age appropriate?

3. Does replacement/desired behavior satisfy the same function (or need) as problem behavior and/or result in the same outcome?

Issues to Consider in Devising a Behavior Intervention Plan

4. Is the desired behavior in the student’s repertoire - even at low rates of occurrence?

5. Is the desired behavior incompatible with the problem behavior?

6. Is it more reinforcing for the student to engage in the desired behavior than the problem behavior?

Issues to Consider in Devising a Behavior Intervention Plan

7. What is the likelihood that the desired behavior will be elicited in regular settings?

8. What is the likelihood that the desired behavior will be reinforced in regular settings?

Behavioral Intervention OptionsModify aspects of setting events (e.g.,

physical arrangements of the classroom, general management strategies);

Teach the student more acceptable behavior that serves the same function as the inappropriate behavior (e.g., teacher attention for student corrects, peer attention through tutorial instruction);

Behavioral Intervention Options

(continued)

Manipulate the antecedents precipitating (e.g., teacher directions) and/or consequences maintaining the problem behavior (e.g., precise praise);

Implement changes in classroom curriculum and/or instructional strategies (e.g., offer group-individualized instruction) and/or

Behavioral Intervention Options

(continued)

Introduce reinforcement-oriented interventions (e.g., vary the amount, delivery, or nature of student reinforcement).

Interventions That Influence Antecedents of Problem Behavior

Alter schedule of activities;Adapt curriculum or task-specific aspects of

instruction; Vary size of instructional groupings;Provide special directions regarding instruction; Introduce pre-corrective strategies before

problems occur; and,Teach students rules.

Factors That Influence Success of Consequence Components of a Behavioral Intervention Plan

Length of reinforcement interval;Program reinforcers; and,Reinforcement variables.

Factors Influencing Acceptability of Intervention

Consistent with teacher beliefs and values;Does not require too much effort or time;Does not exceed the skill level of the teacher

(with support);Is unobtrusive; and, Holds promise of effectiveness.

Escape-Motivated Behavior

Description: Student need to escape from an aversive situation.

Examples: difficult, irrelevant lengthy or ambiguous assignment; undesirable group placement; negative peer or adult interaction.

Intervention Options: instruction in signal responses

Escape-Motivated Behavior

(continued)

contingent escape following prosocial or appropriate request

task completion demand curricular accommodations instructional modifications

Ineffective Strategies time-out

Signal for Escape-Motivated Behaviors

Identify the situations.Determine the critical time period.Choose a safety signal.Deliver the safety signal.Release the student from the activity.Gradually increase the time spent on task.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Description: Unmet student need for attention, coupled with perception that attention is unlikely to occur.

Examples: call outs, swearing, yelling at classmate or teacher; tantrum or noncompliance with adult request.

Intervention Options: non-contingent attention

Attention-Seeking Behavior

(continued)

contingent attention following appropriate behavior

withdrawal of attention following misbehavior instruction in appropriate attention- seeking

strategiesIneffective Strategies

verbal reprimands or student put downs

Signal for Attention-Seeking BehaviorIdentify the situations.Determine the critical period.Choose a safety signal.Deliver the safety signal.Allow access to the desired object/

activity/attention.Gradually increase the time spent waiting.

Punishment as an Intervention

Least effective way to change a behaviorShould only be considered as a last resort

everything else has been tried and failed behavior is so noxious there is no social

interaction the behavior is likely to result in injury

Limitations of Punishment

Does not eliminate behaviorCause emotional reactionsDoes not teach appropriate behaviorsMay not overcome reinforcersProvides aggressive role modelsMay result in aggressive reactionsMay spill over to other students

Strategies to Support Positive Behavior Changes

Social/environmental re-engineering;Cognitive mediation and self-management;Periodic “booster” training;Advocacy training; and,Accept “just noticeable differences”.

Components of Comprehensive a Intervention Plan

Proactive (training/support) strategiesReactive (control/deterrent) strategiesLongitudinal (time span) strategiesEcological (life setting) strategiesEmergency (crisis) strategies