Reliability and validity of using structured visual-inspection criteria to interpret latency-based functional
Eleah Sunde1, Adam M Briggs1, Daniel R Mitteer2,3
1Eastern Michigan University.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|April 29, 2022
Summary
Structured visual inspection (SVI) criteria reliably and validly interpret latency-based functional analysis (FA) outcomes. This method aids in identifying behavioral functions and training students in FA interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Structured visual inspection (SVI) criteria are established for interpreting functional analysis (FA) outcomes.
- Previous research has focused on SVI for non-latency-based FA data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and evaluate the reliability and validity of SVI criteria for latency-based FA outcomes.
- To assess inter-rater agreement and concurrent validity with existing interpretations.
Main Methods:
- Adapted existing SVI criteria for latency-based FA data.
- Applied SVI criteria to 43 published latency-based FA datasets.
- Calculated inter-rater agreement and compared SVI outcomes to author interpretations.
Main Results:
- High inter-rater agreement was found for SVI-determined FA outcomes (98% for functions, 95% for cases).
- SVI outcomes demonstrated strong concurrent validity with author interpretations (94% for functions, 88% for cases).
Conclusions:
- SVI criteria provide a reliable and valid method for interpreting latency-based FA outcomes.
- SVI can serve as an objective tool for identifying behavioral functions and training purposes.
