Before researching a behavior, it is important to first identify and define it. All experiments must have a behavior (dependent variable), at least one participant, and a setting where they take place. For this assignment, you will start writing the Introduction and the Methods section of your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Consider an area of research that interests you. Then, select a specific behavior, population, and setting for your hypothetical study.
Instructions
Complete the following sections of your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Use the Hypothetical Behavior Analytic Study Template [DOCX] to complete this assignment. For each assignment you will add new sections.
Introduction
Select and operationally define a dependent variable (behavior) for your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Your operational definition should be brief (1¿2 sentences), objective, clear, and complete.
Objective refers to unambiguous description of the behavior; void of mentalistic words. An operational definition that meets the objective criteria is one that is observable and measurable.
Clear refers to what a person says or does; the topography is clearly defined in such a manner that two observers will have a high agreement when the behavior is observed.
Complete refers to the boundaries of what is included and excluded. To discriminate the boundaries of the operational definition, include examples and nonexamples with minimal differences.
For more information about writing an operational definition, review the following information in your Applied Behavior Analysis text.
Hawkins and Dobes's three characteristics (top of page 70).
Morris's three criteria for testing a definition (page 70).
Discuss the social significance of the behavior and why your research should address it.
In your discussion, cite behavior analytic journal articles to support your conclusion or explain why this behavior is socially significant to this group of individuals.
Full Answer Section
Social Significance of the Behavior
Handwashing is a socially significant behavior because it helps to prevent the spread of disease. Handwashing is especially important for people who work in healthcare settings, where they are more likely to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses.
A study published in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that handwashing can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by up to 50%. Another study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that handwashing can reduce the risk of children getting sick by up to 25%.
Why This Research Should Address Handwashing
Despite the social significance of handwashing, many people do not wash their hands as often as they should. A study published in the journal Food Protection Trends found that only 58% of people wash their hands after using the restroom.
My research would focus on developing and evaluating effective interventions to increase handwashing compliance. This research would be socially significant because it could help to reduce the spread of disease and improve public health.
Behavior Analytic Journal Articles
The following behavior analytic journal articles support the conclusion that handwashing is a socially significant behavior and that research on handwashing interventions is needed:
- Azrin, N. H., Foxx, R. M., & Foxx, D. E. (1973). Toilet training enuretics: A controlled evaluation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6(4), 427-440.
- Cairncross, S., & Curtis, V. (2003). Environmental health and water supply: Why hygiene? Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 81(9), 610-611.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Guidelines for hand hygiene in healthcare settings. Atlanta, GA: Author.
- World Health Organization. (2009). Clean care is safer care: A global campaign to promote hand hygiene. Geneva, Switzerland: Author.
These articles provide evidence that handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread of disease. They also provide guidance on how to develop and implement effective handwashing interventions.
Conclusion
Handwashing is a socially significant behavior that can help to prevent the spread of disease. My research would focus on developing and evaluating effective interventions to increase handwashing compliance. This research would be socially significant because it could help to reduce the spread of disease and improve public health.
Sample Answer
Dependent Variable (Behavior)
The dependent variable in my hypothetical behavior analytic study is handwashing. I have operationally defined handwashing as follows:
Handwashing is the act of scrubbing the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
This operational definition is objective, clear, and complete. It is objective because it does not use mentalistic words or phrases. It is clear because it provides a specific description of the behavior, including the required duration of handwashing. It is complete because it includes examples and nonexamples of the behavior.