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Calculating contingencies in natural environments: issues in the application of sequential analysis
Jennifer J McComas1, Timothy Moore, Norm Dahl
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. jmccomas@umn.edu
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|December 2, 2009
Summary
This study explores sequential analysis for understanding behavior-environment relations using descriptive data. Distinguishing contiguity, contingency, and dependency is crucial for behavior analysis in natural settings.
Area of Science:
- Behavior Analysis
- Psychology
- Environmental Psychology
Background:
- Behavior-environment relations are increasingly analyzed using descriptive data.
- Existing methods for analyzing descriptive data lack a standardized sequential approach.
- Understanding these relations is vital for applied behavior analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the logic behind a sequential analytic approach for descriptive data.
- To review methods for quantifying sequential relations in behavior-environment interactions.
- To discuss challenges in contingency analysis within natural environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sequential analysis of descriptive data.
- Examination of various methods for quantifying sequential relations.
- Illustrative use of descriptive analysis data to demonstrate key concepts.
Main Results:
- Sequential analysis offers a logical framework for interpreting descriptive behavior-environment data.
- Different quantification methods possess unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Conceptual clarity regarding contiguity, contingency, and dependency is essential.
Conclusions:
- Sequential analysis is a valuable tool for behavior-environment relation interpretation.
- Clear distinctions between contiguity, contingency, and dependency are critical for advancing behavior analysis.
- Successful extension of sequential analysis to naturalistic reinforcement requires conceptual rigor.
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