Analyzing the Functional Interdependence of Verbal Behavior with Multiaxial Radar Charts.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psycholinguistics
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Analyzing complex verbal behavior necessitates evaluating responses under multiple control sources.
• Traditional graphical displays are limited in representing the multidimensional properties of complex behavior.
• Multiaxial radar charts have shown promise in comparing functional performance in biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend multidimensional analyses using radar charts for comparing verbal behavior performance.
• To analyze verbal behavior across four potential controlling variables.
• To develop a framework for a language growth chart for monitoring language acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of intraverbal and extraverbal control as stimulus continua.
• Verbal operant experimental analysis using repeated measures.
• Quantitative comparison of language profiles using shape descriptors for children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical peers.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the application of radar charts for multidimensional analysis of verbal behavior.
• Mapped the conditioning history of a child with autism spectrum disorder over two years.
• Provided quantitative comparisons of language profiles between children with autism and a neurotypical peer.

Conclusions:

• Multidimensional analysis using radar charts offers a novel framework for understanding verbal behavior.
• This approach can serve as a language growth chart for researchers and clinicians.
• Radar charts facilitate complex analyses of the interdependence of verbal operants.