Extensions of open science for applied behavior analysis: Preregistration for single-case experimental designs.

Open science practices are designed to enhance the utility, integrity, and credibility of scientific research. This article highlights how preregistration in open science practice can be leveraged to enhance the rigor and transparency of single-case experimental designs within an applied behavior analysis framework. We provide an overview of the benefits of preregistration including increased transparency, reduced risk of researcher bias, and improved replicability, and we review the specific contexts under which these practices most benefit the proposed framework.

Generalized Linear Mixed Effects Modeling (GLMM) of Functional Analysis Graphical Construction Elements on Visual Analysis.

Multielement designs are the quintessential design tactic to evaluate outcomes of a functional analysis in applied behavior analysis. Protecting the credibility of the data collection, graphing, and visual analysis processes from a functional analysis increases the likelihood that optimal intervention decisions are made for individuals. Time-series graphs and visual analysis are the most prevalent method used to interpret functional analysis data.

A comparison of parental attention and preferred items during tummy time: A consecutive controlled case series evaluation.

Tummy time is an activity for infants to practice their early motor skills. Although most pediatricians recommend tummy time, parents may avoid the procedures due to indices of infant discomfort during this period. This consecutive controlled case series evaluation compared the effects of preferred items selected from a preference assessment with those of parental attention on head evaluation and negative vocalizations during tummy time.

Meta-Analytic Methods to Detect Publication Bias in Behavior Science Research.

Publication bias is an issue of great concern across a range of scientific fields. Although less documented in the behavior science fields, there is a need to explore viable methods for evaluating publication bias, in particular for studies based on single-case experimental design logic. Although publication bias is often detected by examining differences between meta-analytic effect sizes for published and grey studies, difficulties identifying the extent of grey studies within a particular research corpus present several challenges.

Structured visual analysis of single-case experimental design data: Developments and technological advancements.

Visual analysis is the primary method used to interpret single-case experimental design (SCED) data in applied behavior analysis. Research shows that agreement between visual analysts can be suboptimal at times. To address the inconsistent interpretations of SCED data, recent structured visual-analysis technological advancements have been developed.

Contingency-based delay to reinforcement following functional communication training for autistic individuals: A multilevel meta-analysis.

Functional communication training, an intervention for challenging behavior rooted in principles of applied behavior analysis, has copious empirical support dating back to the mid-1980s for autistic individuals. Recently, there has been a concerted effort to thin reinforcement delivery during functional communication training using contingency-based delays that, in turn, are designed to enhance practicality and feasibility while not compromising efficacy. In this synthesis, we meta-analyzed the literature base with the goal of investigating both combined and across type effectiveness of contingency-based delays.

Meta-analyses and effect sizes in applied behavior analysis: A review and discussion.

For more than four decades, researchers have used meta-analyses to synthesize data from multiple experimental studies often to draw conclusions that are not supported by individual studies. More recently, single-case experimental design (SCED) researchers have adopted meta-analysis techniques to answer research questions with data gleaned from SCED experiments. Meta-analyses enable researchers to answer questions regarding intervention efficacy, generality, and condition boundaries.

A Decade Review of Two Potential Analysis Altering Variables in Graph Construction.

In single-case research designs (SCDs) to determine a functional relation a time-series graph is constructed. Preliminary evidence suggest the approach used to scale the vertical axis and the data points per x- to y-axis ratio (DPPXYR) impact visual analysts' decisions. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate time-series graphs published in the last decade in four premier journals in the field of autism.

An Investigation of Functional Communication Training and Schedule Thinning Using a Multiple Schedule on Elopement to Access Stereotypy.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who engage in stereotypy may also emit a prior, temporally contiguous, high-risk response to access stereotypic behaviors. For example, the participant in this study who was diagnosed with ASD engaged in a chained response that included elopement, often in unsafe locations, to access light switch flipping. Previous research indicates that functional communication training (FCT) with delay fading is a viable approach to reduce chained problem behavior.

Do we need to go beyond a purely behavioral approach? A response to Woodcock and Blackwell.

: In their recent review, 'Psychological treatment strategies for challenging behaviours in neurodevelopmental disorders: what lies beyond a purely behavioural approach?' Woodcock and Blackwell discuss supposed deficiencies in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and positive behavior support (PBS) to address challenging behavior. This commentary highlights problems with Woodcock and Blackwell's critique based on substantial evidence that behavioral approaches including ABA and PBS are often the best available solution for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders who display challenging behavior.

Reducing an Adolescent's Destructive Behavior during Bathroom Visits in a Residential Setting: Brief Report.

As individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transition to adulthood, problem behavior may present restrictions to an independent lifestyle. In addition, problem behavior may interfere with performance of daily routines necessary for independent living. We developed a successful treatment for automatically reinforced toilet lid destruction of an adolescent with ASD during routine bathroom visits.

Evaluation of publication bias in response interruption and redirection: A meta-analysis.

Publication bias is the disproportionate representation of studies with large effects and statistically significant findings in the published research literature. If publication bias occurs in single-case research design studies on applied behavior-analytic (ABA) interventions, it can result in inflated estimates of ABA intervention effects. We conducted an empirical evaluation of publication bias on an evidence-based ABA intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, response interruption and redirection (RIRD).

Assessment and treatment of high-risk challenging behavior of adolescents with autism in an aquatic setting.

Aquatic-based activities produce positive skill and health benefits for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, aquatic contexts, such as the pool, introduce the risk of injury and drowning. This risk is heightened when individuals with ASD engage in challenging behavior in the pool context. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of differential reinforcement without extinction for 2 participants diagnosed with ASD who engaged in challenging behavior when asked to transition from the pool.

An Empirical Evaluation of the Disequilibrium Model to Increase Independent Seatwork for an Individual Diagnosed with Autism.

This brief practice is an evaluation of work output predicted by Timberlake's (1980) disequilibrium model. Jacobs, Morford, King, and Hayes (2017) provided a downloadable, online tool using the disequilibrium model to assist practitioners in maximizing intervention outcomes. The disequilibrium model was used to predict the duration of independent seatwork for Marvin, a 17-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Effects of reinforcement without extinction on increasing compliance with nail cutting: A systematic replication.

Personal hygiene routines, such as nail cutting, are essential for maintaining good health. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities often struggle to comply with essential, personal hygiene routines. We conducted a systematic replication of Schumacher and Rapp (2011), Shabani and Fisher (2006), and Bishop et al.