Predictive validity and efficiency of ongoing visual-inspection criteria for interpreting functional analyses

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Structured criteria exist for post-hoc visual inspection (PHVI) of functional-analysis (FA) results.
• The validity of applying these criteria during ongoing visual inspection (OVI) of FAs is currently unknown.
• Most behavior analysts utilize OVI during FA implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive validity of applying structured criteria during OVI.
• To assess the efficiency of OVI compared to PHVI.
• To compare OVI interim interpretations with post-hoc interpretations (PHVI and author's post-hoc interpretations [PHAI]).

Main Methods:

• Researchers compared interim interpretations from OVI with final interpretations from PHVI.
• OVI interpretations were also compared to authors' post-hoc interpretations (PHAI) and consensus interpretations.
• The number of FA sessions required for each method was recorded to determine efficiency.

Main Results:

• OVI demonstrated high predictive validity for PHVI and consensus interpretations.
• OVI showed reasonably high predictive validity for PHAI.
• OVI required an average of 19 FA sessions, compared to 32 sessions for PHVI/PHAI, representing a 41% increase in efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Applying structured criteria during OVI is a valid method for interpreting FA results.
• OVI significantly increases the efficiency of identifying the functions of destructive behavior.
• OVI offers a more efficient and accurate approach to functional-analysis interpretation.