Define ABA reversal design.
A single-subject design: baseline (A), treatment (B), return to baseline (A) to test causal control. Example: Measure study time (A), add reward system (B), remove reward (A) to see if study time drops.
Define anecdotal evidence.
Informal observations not collected under controlled conditions. Example: ‘My friend studied with music and improved, so music helps everyone.’
Define aversives.
Stimuli that decrease behavior or are avoided. Example: Loud alarm used to reduce oversleeping.
Define baseline period.
Phase before treatment where behavior is measured without intervention. Example: Recording daily exercise for 2 weeks before starting coaching.
Define between-subjects experiment.
Different groups receive different conditions. Example: One group gets caffeine, another placebo, then compare memory scores.
Define case study.
Intensive study of one individual or small group. Example: Detailed analysis of one stroke patient’s language recovery.
Define control group.
Group that does not receive the experimental treatment. Example: Placebo group in a drug study.
Define cumulative record.
Graph showing total responses over time; slope = response rate. Example: Total math problems solved across a study session.
Define fluency.
Accurate responding at high rate. Example: Typing 70 words per minute with few errors.
Define dependent variable.
Behavior measured in an experiment. Example: Number of correct answers on a test.
Define descriptive study.
Study that observes behavior without manipulation. Example: Recording playground interactions without intervening.
Define experiment.
Study that manipulates an independent variable to test causal effects. Example: Changing reward size to test effect on productivity.
Define experimental group.
Group receiving the treatment. Example: Students using a new learning app.
Define independent variable.
Variable manipulated by researcher. Example: Amount of sleep allowed before testing.
Define matched sampling.
Participants paired on relevant traits, then split across groups. Example: Pair students by GPA before assigning to study methods.
Define within-subject experiment.
Same participants experience all conditions. Example: Testing memory with and without music in same students.
Define topography.
Physical form or shape of behavior. Example: Accent and mouth movements when pronouncing a new language sound.
Principal similarities between within- and between-subjects designs?
Both manipulate independent variables, measure dependent variables, test causal hypotheses, and compare conditions systematically.
Distinguish speed, rate, and latency.
Speed: time to complete one response. Rate: responses per unit time. Latency: time from stimulus to start of response.
How quantify changes in topography when learning a foreign language?
Measure pronunciation accuracy, acoustic properties (pitch, duration), error rates, or native-speaker ratings over time.
How is rate reflected in a cumulative record?
Steeper slope = higher response rate; flat line = no responding.
Chief virtue of matched sampling?
Reduces group differences before treatment, increasing experimental control.
In what experiment is statistical analysis least necessary?
Within-subject (especially single-subject) designs with large, clear effects and replication.
Defend studying cocaine addiction in rats against cruelty claims.
Research follows ethical guidelines, minimizes suffering, and aims to reduce human addiction harm; animal models allow controlled, lifesaving discoveries not possible in humans.
