ED 534 - Measurement and Experimental Evaluation of Behavioral Intervention

(Cr: 3)

“Those who fall in love with practice without science are like a sailor who enters a ship without a helm or a compass, and who never can be certain whither he is going.” (Leonardo da Vinci).

This is an initial course in the use of single subject research methodology within Special Education. It includes an overview of behavioral measurement, single subject research designs, and methods of data analysis. Single case experimental designs are a hallmark of applied behavior analysis. These designs operate to demonstrate functional relationships between adjustments in independent variables and their effects upon dependent variables in applied research. This course will examine theoretical and practical issues in experimental design and control and will provide educators with a “framework” in the form of practical applications of research methodology involving direct observation and single-subject designs to examine the effects and evaluate the efficacy of interventions. It will introduce students to a natural science approach to designing, conducting, and critically evaluating research involving applications of the experimental analysis of behavior to problems and needs of individuals in educational, clinical, and community settings.