Chapter 2Scientific AnalysisMeasuring LearningOperational DefinitionSlide 5Defining the Operant BehaviorDefining the Operant BehaviorDefining the Operant BehaviorDefining the Operant BehaviorHow would you define:Slide 11Slide 12Measuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningMeasuring LearningSlide 22Research DesignsResearch DesignsResearch DesignsResearch DesignsIdentify the IV and DVResearch DesignsResearch DesignsA-B DesignA-B-A-B Reversal DesignMultiple baseline designsAnimal Research and Human LearningChapter 2The Study of Learning and BehaviorScientific AnalysisNatural scienceExplained by identifying the physical events that produce the phenomenonLearningExplained by identifying the physical events that reliably produce a behaviorMeasuring LearningIf learning = changes in behaviorIf learning = changes in behaviorThen, to measure learning = to measure changes in behaviorThen, to measure learning = to measure changes in behaviorOperational DefinitionIn order to study a behavior, it must be defined so that it can be measuredSometimes referred to as operationally defining the target behaviorSometimes referred to as a behavioral definitionWhatever you call it, it specifies exactly what behavior is to be observedDefining the Operant Behavior 1Describe what the person does and says – AVOID LABELSSome behaviors are more simple to definecryingSome are more complex and require more measureable observables defined as specifically as possible bad attitudeDefining the Operant Behavior 2Use active verbs that are objective and unambiguous•Any high pitched vocal noise made by the child•Must be accompanied by tearsCrying•Child doesn’t study•Whispers to friends•Rolls eyes when addressedBad AttitudeDefining the Operant Behavior 3Do not use inferences about internal states or motivationTeacher may define child as being rude.Rolls eyesDoesn’t use please and thank youTurns away when spoken toHow can you define rude more behaviorally?Defining the Operant Behavior 4Defined so that two people agreeWhen the behavior is defined behaviorally two people can observe the same behavior and agree the behavior occurred. It is called interobserver reliability (IOR) or interobserver agreementHow would you define:Measuring LearningChange in:Change in:Measuring Learning•Changes in Number of ErrorsRekScirtShareTounKytWrekSkirtShareTounKiteWreckSkirtShareTownKiteMeasuring Learning•Changes in Number of ErrorsDay 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4012345Number of ErrorsMeasuring Learning•Changes in topographyMeasuring Learning•Changes in IntensityMeasuring Learning•Changes in SpeedMeasuring Learning•Changes in Latency5 x 7 = 356 x 7 = 427 x 8 = 569 x 6 = 543 x 4 = 12Measuring Learning•Changes in Rate or FrequencyCumulative RecorderMeasuring Learning•Fluency1. A fruit-picker selects fewer and fewer bruised or malformed fruit.2. A child ties her shoes for the first time.3. A second grader learns to write cursively.4. An American visiting France finds that he can reply more quickly to simple questions posed French than he could on his arrival.5. A child who always said “I goed to the zoo”, now more often says, “I went to the zoo”6. A baby whimpered quietly and was ignored. Then she cried loudly and was comforted.7. A rat received food each time it presses a lever. At first the rat presses the lever easily with on foot, but the experimenter modifies the lever so that the rat must pounce on the lever with both forefeet. He soon does so.8. A baker-trainee takes five minutes to get this first pretzel right, but after a few hours of practice he turns out a pretzel in several seconds.9. A gambler makes larger bets following a big win.10.An artist “goes commercial” and decreases the time taken to complete a painting.For online class, see assignmentResearch DesignsClick to go to siteResearch Designshttp://www.thepsychologyfaculty.org/a-levels/item/97-case-studies-pt1Research DesignsThe average college student studies 15 hours per weekResearch DesignsIdentify the IV and DVA psychologist examine how different amounts of food reward affected the frequency of bar pressing by rats.A psychologist examine how different amounts of food reward affected the frequency of bar pressing by rats.A behavioral neuroscientist examined the effects of a drug on maze running performance in ten female rats that came from a strain of animals bred for efficient spatial learning and memory.A behavioral neuroscientist examined the effects of a drug on maze running performance in ten female rats that came from a strain of animals bred for efficient spatial learning and memory.An applied psychologist tested whether different computer screen displays influenced productivity in office workers.An applied psychologist tested whether different computer screen displays influenced productivity in office workers.IV: reward amountsDV: bar pressing ratePossible confounding variables: gender, food deprivation, time of day, lighting, etc..IV: reward amountsDV: bar pressing ratePossible confounding variables: gender, food deprivation, time of day, lighting, etc..IV: drug exposureDV: maze running performancePossible confounding variables: gender, food deprivation, time of day, lighting, etc..IV: drug exposureDV: maze running performancePossible confounding variables: gender, food deprivation, time of day, lighting, etc..IV: type of computer displayDV: amount of work completedPossible confounding variables: skill level, visual ability, experienceIV: type of computer displayDV: amount of work completedPossible confounding variables: skill level, visual ability, experienceResearch Designszero beers 1 beer 3 beers 6 beers85839170Effect of beer consumption on test scoresResearch DesignsA-B DesignA-B-A-B Reversal DesignMultiple baseline designs Demonstrates a functional relationship because treatment is replicated across two or more baselinesDemonstrates a functional relationship because treatment is replicated across two or more baselinesAnimal Research and Human