Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger
Published on: January 16, 2020
The role of behavior observation in measurement systems for randomized prevention trials
James Snyder1, John Reid, Mike Stoolmiller
1Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, Box 34, Wichita, Kansas 67260-0034, USA. james.snyder@wichita.edu
Abstract:
The role of behavior observation in theory-driven prevention intervention trials is examined. A model is presented to guide choice of strategies for the measurement of five core elements in theoretically informed, randomized prevention trials: (1) training intervention agents, (2) delivery of key intervention conditions by intervention agents, (3) responses of clients to intervention conditions, (4) short-term risk reduction in targeted client behaviors, and (5) long-term change in client adjustment. It is argued that the social processes typically thought to mediate interventionist training (Element 1) and the efficacy of psychosocial interventions (Elements 2 and 3) may be powerfully captured by behavior observation. It is also argued that behavior observation has advantages in the measurement of short-term change (Element 4) engendered by intervention, including sensitivity to behavior change and blinding to intervention status.
Related Concept Videos
Naturalistic Observations
Randomized Experiments
Simple randomization
Simple...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Blinding
What is an Experiment?
