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Based on the principles of single-subject reversal designs, explain why the researcher should or should not introduce the intervention on day 5. Describe what Phase A represents and the requirement that must be met before transitioning to the intervention phase.
Case context: A researcher is studying the frequency of off-task behavior in a student. During Phase A (the baseline phase), the student's off-task behavior is highly variable, fluctuating between extreme highs and lows each day with no clear pattern. The researcher wants to introduce a token economy intervention immediately on day 5 to help the student.
Question: Based on the principles of single-subject reversal designs, explain why the researcher should or should not introduce the intervention on day 5. Describe what Phase A represents and the requirement that must be met before transitioning to the intervention phase.
Sample answer: The researcher should not introduce the intervention on day 5 because a steady state of behavior has not yet been achieved. The baseline phase (Phase A) acts as a control condition representing the natural level of responding before any intervention. If the intervention is introduced while behavior is fluctuating, it will be impossible to determine if subsequent changes are due to the intervention or natural variation. Therefore, Phase A must continue until a steady state of behavior is achieved.
Key points:
- The intervention should not be introduced on day 5 because the behavior is fluctuating and unstable.
- Phase A acts as a control condition representing the natural level of responding before intervention.
- The baseline phase must continue until a steady state of behavior is achieved.
- Introducing the intervention too early compromises the ability of Phase A to serve as a valid control condition.
Rubric: Evaluate whether the student correctly recommends against introducing the intervention on day 5. The student must demonstrate comprehension by explaining that Phase A represents the natural level of responding before intervention (acting as a control) and that it must continue until a steady state of behavior is achieved.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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