Sequence of events and logic in the design
The multiple baseline designs is a flexible tactic that analyses these effects across multiple behaviors, subjects, and settings without evidence that improvements in the behavior were as a direct result of the treatment. The general sequence of events includes the identification of responses and their measurement over time, the application of an experimental variable to one of the behaviors, the reduction of a change in the behavior, and the recording of a change in the other baselines. The experiment allows for the application of the experimental variables to one of the others. The logic behind the why the design permits a demonstration of a functional relation is that the design allows a time-lagged application of the variables across different behaviors. Each behavior setting is conceptualized and treated as a different behavior for analysis through prediction, replication, and replication.
Types of behaviors in a multiple baseline designs
There are different types of behaviors used in the design. They include several behaviors classified under the same object, behaviors of the same subject in two or more different settings, and those of two or more different participants or groups. The multiple baseline designs take its three forms as a result or the three basic forms of behaviors.
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Multiple designs across behavior, setting, and subjects
When multiple designs are used across settings, a behavior of a group or person is targeted in different settings, two and above. The independent variable is introduced in the setting after the stable response is noted. However, the baseline conditions remain in effect in other settings. There is a possibility that the multiple baselines across settings may exist in the same location. In addition, the researcher may come across varying participant or those that are unknown. However, in the ‘across behaviors’ designs, multiple baseline designs are applied across different behaviors. The subject performance of the behavior is measured through its performance. Two or more behaviors of the same subject are measured one step at a time.
In the multiple baselines across subjects, a target behavior is identified for two or more subjects. The independent variable is to one of the subjects with the baseline conditions remaining n effect in the other subjects. The nest subject is used when a stable responding has been reached. The same procedure is used for the next subject. It is the mostly used fore of the baseline design. This is because most professionals such as teachers and doctors are often faced with more than one client or student. Each learner learns the same skills of eliminating the problem.
Minimum number of baselines recommended for proof of a functional relationship
A minimum of three baselines is recommended for proof of a relationship between variables.
Summary of assumptions and procedural guidelines
The multiple baseline designs require that the researcher makes several assumptions. The assumptions are based on how the behavior and environment relate despite the fact that this is the very reason that the research is carried out. The researcher makes hypotheses about behavior and its relation to controlling variables and designs an experimental design that is capable of producing data that proves or disapproves the hypothesis.
Since the design uses information that determines what happens with the variations, the researcher needs to take extra care of in planning and experimenting. The approach used should be facilitated confidence as a result of relational suggestions made by the data. Further, there is more to the method than applying two or more behaviors. It is a complex procedure that needs planning to facilitate a clear and valid experiment.
Multiple probes and delayed multiple baseline designs
There exist two variations of multiple baseline designs across settings, subjects, and behavior. The first is the delayed baseline design. In this design, the first step is the collection of baseline data for subsequent behaviors. This is done after baselines with for behaviors earlier in the experiment. It is efficient when a reversal is not possible. New behavior and subject become known to the researcher when resources are limited. The second variation of the multiple probe baseline design is the multiple probe design. It allows one to take measurements intermittent measures when he or she begins the experiment. More measurements are taken when a subject has adopted one of the sequential skills or behaviors. In this design, each behavior undergoes baselines as per the instructions. The method is most appropriate when the subject is expected not to master later steps without instructions and when there is a possibility of having negative effects based on a prolonged baseline.
Pros and cons of the multiple baseline designs
The pros of the design include the fact that it does not require the withdrawal of a treatment to determine experimental control, the implications of the design is parallel to the practice of many clinicians and teachers, there is direct monitoring of the behavioral change through simultaneous measurements, and the design is easy to develop as well as understand. Despite these advantages, the design has various cons. It is time-consuming and needs a lot of resources, the method is less of a behavioral analysis than a manipulation of independent variables, the design is not efficient in developing a relationship a relationship may exist where an experiment claims it does not, and the design may be weaker since the conclusions are made from the lack of change in the experimental control.
Changing criterion design
In the design, a single target behavior is observed, and an implementation of the treatment is made on each series of the treatment phase. The change in the criterion change is identified and recorded with each change in the target behavior through a stepwise movement. The first phase begins after a stable baseline is observed. It is a method that is used to conceptualize the development of new behaviors.
The logic in changing criterion
The changing criterion is as a result of replication and prediction. A forecast of future outcomes is made after attaining a stable response in each phase whereas replication occurs when the level of the behaviour changes systematically when the criterion is changed.
