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Efficient and Practical Procedures for Measuring and Assessing Child Behavior in the Home |
Sunday, May 26, 2013 |
3:00 PM–4:20 PM |
200 C-E (Convention Center) |
Area: PRA/AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
Chair: Kevin C. Luczynski (University of Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
Discussant: Matthew P. Normand (University of the Pacific) |
CE Instructor: Kevin C. Luczynski, Ph.D. |
Abstract: The time and effort associated with measuring and assessing children's behavior at home can present significant practical challenges. In response, the presentations in this symposium describe innovative procedures for increasing the practicality of measuring sleep disturbances by comparing momentary-time-sampling intervals (Jin et al.), improving parental reports of child problem behavior via automated prompting mediums (e.g., test messaging; Yu et al.), and assessing behavioral function via trial-based analyses by levering web-based technologies (Hood et al.). Dr. Matthew Normand, a leading researcher in evaluating practical yet accurate measurement systems, has graciously volunteered his time to discuss the implications of the presentations. |
Keyword(s): Autism, Measurement and assessment, Problem behavior, Technology |
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The Use of Web-Based Technologies to Conduct In-Home Trial-Based Functional Analyses |
STEPHANIE HOOD (University of Nebraska Medical Center), Kevin C. Luczynski (University of Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute), Aaron D. Lesser (University of Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
Abstract: Currently, state of the science behavioral services are limited to clients in geographical regions where providers reside. The use of web-based technologies can expand the reach of behavior-analytic services. We conducted a trial-based functional analysis to determine the environmental variables maintaining one childs problem behavior. The entire assessment was conducted via web-based technologies (i.e., internet-protocol wireless cameras, web cameras, and video-conferencing platforms) with the researchers at a clinic and the parent-child dyad in their home. The dependent measures included the proportion of problem behavior while the establishing operation was present in comparison to the proportion of problem behavior while the establishing operation was absent. The results showed that the function of problem behavior was maintained by access to tangible items. The use of web-based technologies allowed the researchers to deliver immediate feedforward and feedback to parents, which produced high levels of procedural integrity. We will discuss some practical considerations in conducting analyses in the context of a familys home (e.g., how to minimize potential confounding variables). Future research should evaluate the cost-effectiveness of web-based service models and the potential benefits of having the parent function as the behavior-change agent in the specific setting in which problem behavior likely developed. |
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Towards a Comprehensive and Objective Measurement System of Common Sleep Problems of Young Children in Homes |
CHUNYING S. JIN (Western New England University), Gregory P. Hanley (Western New England University), Donna Haskell (Western New England University) |
Abstract: We evaluated the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of a time sampling procedure for collecting data on the sleep problems of two children diagnosed with autism. We also compared the direct measures of sleep problems obtained via nighttime video recording to parental diaries. Dependent measures were sleep onset delay (min), total waking (min), and total sleep (hr). We compared the results obtained from time sampling intervals of 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min against the continuous (second-by-second) data to determine the largest interval capable of yielding accurate and reliable data. Results indicated that the differences between the time sampling data and continuous data increased with increasing interval size. The largest interval lengths capable of measuring the sleep problems with an acceptable degree of error and with sensitivity to the independent variable were 10 min for sleep onset delay and 30 min for total sleep. Parental diary data also showed sensitivity to the independent variable and were consistent with our direct measures. |
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Parent Compliance with Home Data Collection for Child Behavior Problems across Paper, Phone, and Text Mediums |
FAN YU (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Christopher E. Bullock (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Steve Lindauer (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Iser Guillermo DeLeon (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Gina Richman (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Michael F. Cataldo (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Abstract: Current healthcare reforms emphasize greater use of technology to enhance ongoing data collection to better assess and improve effectiveness of care. Additionally, constant home data collection may facilitate the effectiveness of outpatient interventions. Previous research has suggested that there is extreme variability in compliance and consistency of home data collection. Although recent studies suggest that higher technology mediums can facilitate home data collection, these studies have not directly compared compliance across multiple mediums. The current study investigated home data collection compliance on child problem behavior across three data collection mediums: paper diary, interactive voice response (IVR), and text message (SMS). The assessment for all three mediums consisted of parents scoring frequency and intensity on a 0-3 Likert scale (0 = no problem behavior, 3 = baseline rate) for up to three specific target behaviors (e.g., aggression, tantrums, non-compliance). Collection occurred daily during baseline and treatment periods while receiving services at an outpatient behavior clinic. Results suggest that home data collection compliance is higher with IVR and SMS than the paper diary. These results are discussed in terms of the utility of more frequent data collection, secondary variables that may influence compliance, and challenges to data accuracy. |
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