The Behaviorist Bookclub

The Reality of Heart Rate Monitoring in FAs

In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, host Matt Harrington delves into the research study 'Evaluations of heart rate during functional analyses of destructive behavior' by McCabe and Greer, published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2023. The study aimed to explore whether heart rate could serve as a predictive signal for upcoming destructive behavior, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of functional analyses.

Despite the excitement around the potential of integrating heart rate monitors into functional analysis procedures, the study concluded with a null effect, finding no discernible pattern that would allow heart rate to predict destructive behavior. However, Harrington emphasizes the significance of this research in sparking discussions on the potential implications of successful heart rate monitoring and its role in advancing the field of applied behavior analysis.

The episode also touches on the broader concepts of covert and overt behaviors, the importance of caregiver interviews in identifying behavioral precursors, and the future possibilities of utilizing advanced technology to uncover such covert precursors. Harrington concludes by encouraging further research and dialogue within the community, highlighting the episode's relevance to clinicians and researchers interested in behavior analysis and the innovative use of technology in the field.

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

Negative reinforcement to increase self-feeding

In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, host Matt Harrington examines a 2023 research article by Haney and colleagues from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. The study, originating from the Kennedy Krieger Institute, explores how negative reinforcement can enhance self-feeding behaviors in children with feeding disorders.

Through a controlled consecutive case series at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Behavioral Feeding Program between 2017 and 2019, researchers investigated the efficacy of ending meals early as negative reinforcement to increase self-feeding, considering various response efforts. The study's results indicate that escape-maintained self-feeding can remain effective even as response effort increases.

The podcast also highlights the importance of caregiver involvement in feeding therapy and discusses the ethical considerations and challenges of using escape as reinforcement. Matt contrasts skill acquisition with motivation, emphasizing the complexity of behavioral feeding issues and the need for more nuanced treatment approaches beyond negative reinforcement alone.

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

An Intro into Evolutionary Theory of Behavioral Dynamics

In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club podcast, host Matt Harrington delves into a 2023 article by Hagopian and colleagues on applying the evolutionary theory of behavioral dynamics to severe challenging behavior. The discussion begins with an introduction to natural selection and its relation to behavior analysis, emphasizing the importance of both phylogeny and ontogeny.

The focus then shifts to the main topic of building artificial organisms through computer codes based on behavior analysis principles to simulate thousands of experiments on behavior change. This concept is illustrated through three simulated studies: functional analysis, functional communication training plus fading, and competing stimulus assessment, showing high matching results between artificial organisms and real clinical scenarios.

The episode concludes with reflections on the potential future applications of such artificial organisms in developing new technologies and improving clinical practice, alongside encouragement for listeners to engage with the content and join the ABA Cafe Facebook group for further discussion.

 

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

 

The Effect of Errors on Skill Acquisition

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

Hey there, fellow behavior enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, your go-to podcast for all things behavior analysis. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and I'm thrilled to have you join me as we delve into the captivating world of skill acquisition and behavior change.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into a groundbreaking research article by Tamrazi and Wiskow (2023) titled "Effects of Omission and Commission Errors during Tact Instructions." Trust me, folks, this one is a game-changer! We'll explore how errors, both of omission and commission, impact the effectiveness of behavior change interventions and uncover strategies to navigate these challenges like a pro.

Join me on a journey of discovery as we dissect the nuances of treatment fidelity and its crucial role in maximizing intervention outcomes. From my own evolution as a behavior analyst to the fascinating insights gleaned from the latest research, we'll cover it all in today's episode.

But that's not all! We'll also uncover practical implications for practitioners, sharing tips and tricks to mitigate the impact of errors and optimize learning for our clients. Whether you're a seasoned behavior analyst or just starting your journey, there's something for everyone in this jam-packed episode.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to expand your knowledge and expertise in behavior analysis. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and leave a review if you enjoy today's episode. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue bringing you top-notch content week after week.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of skill acquisition and revolutionize your approach to behavior change. Let's dive in together on the Behaviorist Book Club podcast!

Acquiring Functions Within a Functional Analysis

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

Welcome to the Behaviorist Book Club podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of behavior analysis to uncover insights and strategies for meaningful behavior change. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and I'm thrilled to guide you through our latest episode.

In this installment, we embark on a thought-provoking journey as we dissect a groundbreaking research article by Ferdinand and colleagues. Join me as we explore "Examining Patterns Suggestive of Acquisition During Functional Analyses, a Consecutive Controlled Series of 116 Cases," published in the esteemed Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the complexities of functional analyses and their implications for behavior change interventions. We'll navigate through intriguing findings, challenging conventional wisdom, and shedding light on the nuances of behavior patterns.

From the emergence of new functions to the role of pre-assessment procedures, we'll dive deep into the research, extracting practical insights for practitioners in the field. Whether you're a seasoned behavior analyst or an aspiring practitioner, this episode promises to expand your understanding and ignite new perspectives.

So grab your headphones, settle into your favorite listening spot, and join me on this enlightening journey through the world of behavior analysis. Together, let's uncover the secrets to unlocking meaningful behavior change. Tune in to the Behaviorist Book Club podcast now, and let the exploration begin!

Multiply Controlled Behavior- Assessment and Intervention

Hey there, fellow behavior enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Behaviorist Book Club, your go-to podcast for all things related to behavior analysis and meaningful behavior change. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and I'm thrilled to have you join me for another exciting episode.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of behavior analysis with a fascinating research article by Morris and colleagues. Titled "Multiple Isolated Functions of Problematic Behavior: A Case Study," this study promises to provide valuable insights into the complexities of behavior assessment and intervention.

But before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let's take a moment to reflect on the broader context of behavior analysis. We'll discuss the debate of isolated versus synthesized functional analysis and why it's time to move past the dichotomy and focus on what truly matters: effective assessment and intervention strategies.

Now, let's turn our attention to Morris et al.'s groundbreaking research. We'll explore the concept of multiply controlled behavior and how it differs from synthesized reinforcement contingencies. 

But that's not all! Throughout the episode, I'll share personal anecdotes, insights from my own practice, and practical tips for applying the research findings in real-world settings. So whether you're a seasoned behavior analyst or just starting your journey in the field, there's something for everyone in today's episode.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready for a thought-provoking discussion on behavior analysis and meaningful behavior change. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment, and share your thoughts with our vibrant community on the ABA Cafe Facebook group.

Thanks for tuning in, and let's embark on this exciting journey together!

The Value of Nonfunctional Stimuli within Intervention

Hey there, it's Matt Harrington, your host at the Behaviorist Book Club podcast! Get ready for another deep dive into the world of behavior analysis as we unpack a fascinating research article that's sure to spark some thought-provoking conversations.

In this episode, we're tackling a study by Helvey and colleagues (2023) titled "Evaluating Preference for Functional and Non-functional Stimuli in the Treatment of Destructive Behavior." Sounds intriguing, right? Well, it gets even better as we explore the nuances of functional analysis and client preference in behavior reduction interventions.

Discover how incorporating both functional and non-functional reinforcers into interventions can potentially enhance client preference and treatment outcomes. Plus, we'll delve into the importance of prioritizing client-centered approaches for more effective and socially valid interventions.

So, if you're ready to expand your understanding of behavior analysis and learn how to tailor interventions to better meet the needs of your clients, then this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and let's embark on this insightful journey together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Behaviorist Book Club podcast and join the vibrant community in the ABA Cafe Facebook group for more engaging discussions and resources. Until then, happy listening, and I'll catch you in the episode!

Teaching Compassion Skills to Future Analysts

Hey there, fellow behavior enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Behaviors Book Club podcast, your go-to destination for insightful discussions and practical insights in the world of behavior analysis. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and I'm thrilled to dive into today's episode with you.

In this installment, we're delving into a topic that's near and dear to my heart: compassion in behavior analysis. Join me as we explore the significance of compassion in our field and its profound impact on client outcomes.

We'll start by unpacking the perennial challenge of defining compassion within the context of behavior analysis. From there, we'll take a trip down memory lane to explore the historical roots of compassion, tracing its connection to social validity and ethical practice.

But we won't stop there. Oh no! We'll also dive into the latest research on teaching compassion skills to behavior analysis students. Spoiler alert: the results are eye-opening and incredibly promising.

And of course, no episode would be complete without some personal reflections. I'll share my own journey towards embodying compassion in my practice, along with some tips and tricks for integrating compassionate care into your daily interactions with clients and caregivers.

But wait, there's more! We'll also discuss the systemic considerations [00:05:00] of integrating compassion into behavior analysis education. Should interpersonal skills and compassionate care be integral components of master's programs? Let's dive into the debate and explore potential solutions.

So grab your favorite beverage, cozy up in your favorite listening spot, and join me for a thought-provoking and engaging conversation about compassion in behavior analysis. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out on your behavior analysis journey, this episode has something for everyone.

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode of the Behaviors Book Club podcast. And if you enjoy today's discussion, be sure to share it with your colleagues and friends. Together, let's spread the word about the transformative power of compassion in our field.

Thanks for tuning in, and I'll catch you in the next episode. Until then, stay curious and compassionate!

A Functional Analysis of Precurrent Behavior

Hey there, fellow behavior enthusiasts! Welcome back to another episode of the Behaviorist Book Club. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and today, we're diving deep into the world of behavior analysis research.

In this episode, we're unpacking a fascinating study titled "Repetitive Speech and Problem Behavior: A Functional Analysis of Precurrent Contingencies" by Stromeyer and colleagues. Join me as we explore the intricate dynamics of mand compliance and its impact on behavior change.

emystifying the concept of precurrent behavior and understanding how it influences the likelihood of reinforcement for subsequent actions. Then, we'll delve into the core of the study—mand compliance—and its role in repetitive speech and problem behavior.

But don't worry if you're not familiar with all the technical jargon. I'll break it down for you in simple terms and share real-life examples to illustrate the concepts.

We'll discuss the researchers' innovative approach to conducting functional analyses and how they developed intervention strategies to effectively shape behavior change. Along the way, we'll explore the challenges and limitations they faced and reflect on the ethical considerations of behavior interventions.

So whether you're a seasoned behavior analyst or just curious about the science behind human behavior, this episode is for you. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovery and uncover the secrets behind meaningful behavior change.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your thoughts with us. Your engagement keeps the conversation going and helps us continue to explore new avenues in behavior analysis.

Thanks for tuning in, and let's dive into the fascinating world of behavior science together!

Citation for the article discussed: Strohmeier CW, Goetzel A, Deinlein S, Schmidt JD. Repetitive Speech and Problem Behavior: Functional Analysis of Precurrent Contingencies. Behav Anal Pract. 2022 Sep 21;16(3):745-754. doi: 10.1007/s40617-022-00743-3. PMID: 37680334; PMCID: PMC10480119.

Statistics and ABA- Can it work?

Hey there, fellow behavior enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Behaviorist Book Club podcast, your go-to destination for all things behavior analysis. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and boy, do I have an exciting episode lined up for you today!

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of research methodologies and shaking things up with a discussion on the role of qualitative analysis in behavior analysis. Now, before you raise those eyebrows and start questioning everything you know about single-case design, hear me out!

We'll kick things off by addressing a common misconception: advocating for qualitative analysis doesn't mean tossing single-case design out the window. Nope, not at all! Instead, it's about enriching our toolkit and expanding our horizons to embrace a more holistic approach to research and clinical practice.

Join me on a journey through the evolution of behavior analysis as we explore the transition from lab-based experiments to real-world applications. We'll uncover the limitations of traditional research methodologies and discover how qualitative analysis can help us tackle complex societal issues like climate change and healthcare disparities.

But wait, there's more! We'll also discuss the importance of collaboration across disciplines and how qualitative analysis can bridge the gap between behavior analysis and other scientific fields. Plus, we'll dive into the practical implications for clinicians and explore how qualitative analysis can enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients.

So, buckle up and get ready for a mind-blowing conversation that challenges the status quo and sparks innovation in behavior analysis. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just dipping your toes into the world of behavior science, this episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired and eager to explore new horizons.

Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share your thoughts in the comments. Together, let's embark on a journey of discovery and make a positive impact in the world of behavior analysis. See you on the airwaves!

Citation for the article discussed: Burney, V., Arnold-Saritepe, A. & McCann, C.M. Rethinking the Place of Qualitative Methods in Behavior Analysis. Perspect Behav Sci 46, 185–200 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-022-00362-x