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FIELD NOTE

Field Note 4

SPE 525: Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design

November 1, 2020

Arizona State University

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FIELD NOTE
In this module of SPE252, we concentrated on the visual representation and display of

data. The BACB Task List categorizes this topic into C-10, “Graph data to communicate relevant

quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records.)” (BACB

2014.) Equal interval graphs can be displayed in three different ways- as a line graph, bar, graph,

or a cumulative record. Line graphs are mostly used for single subject designs. They allow for a

comparison of baseline and intervention data as well as displaying data over time. Bar graphs are

used mainly for group performance, summative, and categorical data. It is important to note that

bar graphs are used to compare data that is not related to each other. Lastly, cumulative records.

Cumulative records are used to view a client’s progress toward goal mastery. According to

Ledford and Gast (2018), “When cumulative records are plotted… the number of response

recorded during each observation period is added (thus the term cumulative) to the total number

of responses record during all previous observation periods.” As a behavior analyst, it is

important to understand the differences when determining which graph is needed. Single Case

Research Methodology argues, “In single case design (SCD) research, graphic displays are not

only a way to share your outcomes with consumers of your research (as is also common in

between-group studies), but also to enable you to make formative decisions throughout the

process of the study.” (Ledford & Gast, 2018.) Graphs should always be concise, serving a clear

purpose and represent information accurately.

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References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2014). Professional and ethical compliance

code for behavior analysts [PDF file].

https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170706-compliance-code-

english.pdf

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2017). Fifth edition task list [PDF file].

https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170113-BCBA-BCaBA-task-list-

5th-ed-.pdf

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.).

Pearson.

Ledford J. R. & Gast. D. L. (2018). Single Case Research Methodology (3rd ed.). Routledge.