Aba Inside Track

STOP! Before you start using that discontinuous data sampling system in your program, listen to special guest, Dr. Mary-Katherine Carey, join us for a discussion of its pros and cons.  We'll review previous and recent research to determine whether discontinuous data systems really do save a lot of time, whether sampling data can ruin student programming, and whether you can get a scientific study done in a month.  Don't worry: We find some time to act all silly and go off on irrelevant tangents too. Articles discussed this episode: Cummings, A.R. & Carr, J.E.  (2009).  Evaluating progress in behavioral programs for children with autism spectrum disorders via continuous and discontinuous measurement.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 52-71.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-57 Carey, M.K. & Bourret, J.C.  (2014).  Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 749-764.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.153 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening

Ever sit down to take data and, as you're writing down all those pluses and minuses, tell yourself, "There's got to be a better way"? Well, I've got some good news and some bad news for you! Next week, we're talking with the newly-minted Dr. Carey about discontinuous data systems and the good, the bad, and the ugly about their use.  But first, an errata chock full of excellent emails and a brief discussion of upstate New York over-the-air broadcasts.  And Rob shares a geek fact. Articles for next episode: Cummings, A.R. & Carr, J.E.  (2009).  Evaluating progress in behavioral programs for children with autism spectrum disorders via continuous and discontinuous measurement.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 52-71.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-57 Carey, M.K. & Bourret, J.C.  (2014).  Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 749-764.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.153

It's our most popular episode type: Grab bag! And by popular, I mean popular to us because we get to read whatever articles we want to! This week, Rob sits down at the ol' baby grand and plays a tune about stimulus equivalence, Diana neutrally praises the effort, and Jackie eats all the poison we left on the floor.  Perhaps our most disjointed episode to date. Articles discussed this episode: Griffith, K.R., Ramos, A.L., Hill, K.E., & Miguel, C.F.  (2018).  Using equivalence-based instruction to teach piano skills to college students.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 207-219.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.438 Weyman, J.R. & Sy, J.R.  (2018).  Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 335-344.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.440 Dancho, K.A., Thompson, R.H., & Rhoades, M.M.  (2008).  Teaching preschool children to avoid poison hazards.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analylsis, 41, 267-271.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-267 If you'

What's that sound coming across the misty moors? Some folks say a grab bag full of behavior analytic articles roams these dark plains, searching for a podcast to eat.  Legend tells of a team of BCBAs who will tame the grab bag and bring its research to the ABA community.  Might you be the ones the legend speaks of? Articles for next episode: Griffith, K.R., Ramos, A.L., Hill, K.E., & Miguel, C.F.  (2018).  Using equivalence-based instruction to teach piano skills to college students.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 207-219.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.438 Weyman, J.R. & Sy, J.R.  (2018).  Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 335-344.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.440 Dancho, K.A., Thompson, R.H., & Rhoades, M.M.  (2008).  Teaching preschool children to avoid poison hazards.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analylsis, 41, 267-271.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-267

Though Rob may prefer to hit PAWS when it comes to talking about canines, Jackie and Diana have a howling good time on this week's episode all about dog behavior and behavior analysis.  Wondering how functional analysis methodology can be used to treat dog challenging behavior? Or how shelter workers can actually be taught to train dogs on the cheap? Curious if Rob writes little stories about the research articles he reads? We answer all three of these tough questions in this week's episode.  We're such RUFF-ians.   Articles discussed this episode: Feuerbacher, E.N. & Wynne, C.D.L.  (2016).  Application of  functional analysis methods to assess human-dog interactions.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 970-974.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.318 Howard, V.J. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D.  (2014).  Training shelter volunteers to teach dog compliance.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 344-359.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.120 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to th

To celebrate America's birthday, we're finally giving Jackie her wish and doing an entire episode devoted to puppies.  Specifically, dog behavior analysis.  After a montage of dog pictures featuring sad Sarah Mclachan music, dry your tears to prepare for some summer reading assignments in Errata.  Do you have ideas for ABA Inside Track episodes? Email us! Articles for next episode: Feuerbacher, E.N. & Wynne, C.D.L.  (2016).  Application of  functional analysis methods to assess human-dog interactions.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 970-974.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.318 Howard, V.J. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D.  (2014).  Training shelter volunteers to teach dog compliance.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 344-359.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.120

Not a day goes by that the treatment and care for children with autism and their families isn't in the news.  Sadly, many recent headlines have focused on the alarming challenges that these families face in looking for effective treatment (i.e., ABA) even with the sweeping changes to insurance coverage of autism treatment signed into law in nearly all the U.S.  Luckily, we had an amazing opportunity to speak to Amy Weinstock of the Autism Insurance Resource Center about this and other topics related to insurance for autism treatment including a discussion of her important role in bringing this legislation to Massachusetts, her ongoing work to support families in understanding their rights under the law, and what all BCBAs need to know about insurance. And if you still have more questions after listening, why not contact the awesome people at the Autism Resource Center yourself?

Ah, the beautiful summer weather is finally upon us.  And what better time to talk about how hard it is for some students to attend school.  Is it bad teaching? Permissive parents? School anxiety? How the heck are we supposed to find out the function of school refusal behavior? Fortunately, Dr. Christopher Kearney and colleagues have been studying the assessment and treatment of school refusal behavior since the early 90's.  And your pals here at ABA Inside Track are here to disseminate their research with our brand of deep discussion and tangents about Jackie's history of poor attendance due to Sailor Moon. Articles for next episode: Kearney, C.A. & Silverman, W.K.  (1990).  A preliminary analysis of a functional model of assessment and treatment for school refusal behavior.  Behavior Modification, 14, 340-366.  doi: 10.1177/01454455900143007 Kearney, C.A., Pursell, C., & Alvarez, K.  (2001).  Treatment of school refusal behavior in children with mixed functional profiles.  Cognitive and Behavioral

So, when does, "Mommy, I don't wanna go to school" move beyond a frustrating way to start the day to a serious problem? Next week, we're talking all about the phenomenon of school-refusal behavior and what you can do to help.  In the meantime we bring up some life-affirming quotes and get a glimpse at Rob's most prized possession. Articles for next episode: Kearney, C.A. & Silverman, W.K.  (1990).  A preliminary analysis of a functional model of assessment and treatment for school refusal behavior.  Behavior Modification, 14, 340-366.  doi: 10.1177/01454455900143007 Kearney, C.A., Pursell, C., & Alvarez, K.  (2001).  Treatment of school refusal behavior in children with mixed functional profiles.  Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 8, 3-11.  doi: 10.1016/S1077-7229(01)80037-7 Kearney, C.A., Chapman, G., & Cook, L.C.  (2005).  Moving from assessment to treatment of school refusal behavior in youth.  INternational Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 1, 46-51. Kearney, C.A.  (2008).  Sc

This week we're researching the age-old question: Will I be happier by doing stuff or just waiting for the world to reward me? In behavioral terms, we're discussing whether humans prefer contingent or noncontingent reinforcement.  After going over two excellent research articles exploring this question through the use of the ever-popular concurrent-chains procedure, Jackie and Diana expose their crazy, right-wing politics to assess the U.S. welfare system while our favorite liberal progressive, Rob, watches in horror. Articles discussed this episode: Luczynksi, K.C. & Hanley, G.P.  (2009).  Do children prefer contingencies? An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for contingent versus noncontingent social reinforcement during play.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 511-525.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-511 Hanley, G.P., Piazza, C.C., Fisher, W.W., Contrucci, S.A., & Maglieri, K.A.  (1997).  Evaluation of client preference for function-based treatment packages.  Journal of Applied Behavi

You enter a hall full of all of your favorite things.  The old knight of the Crusade beckons you to him.  "Among you are the greatest delights known to humanity.  You may engage in whip-cracking tricks to earn them.  Or, I can give you one every now and again.  You must choose...but choose wisely."  And in that moment, you realize: you should have listened to that episode of ABA Inside Track about whether humans prefer contingencies.  Suddenly, you awaken in a cold sweat and look at the calendar.  "Oh, thank Skinner," you gasp.  "It's only the preview episode! There's still time to subscribe!" Then, with visions of Diana, Jackie, and Rob podcasting in your head, you slip off, back to dreamland.  Articles for next episode: Luczynksi, K.C. & Hanley, G.P.  (2009).  Do children prefer contingencies? An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for contingent versus noncontingent social reinforcement during play.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 511-525.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-511 Hanley, G.P.

This week we're running the gamut of issues facing older adults with dementia.  We've got an article about hoarding items, an article about running a functional analysis, and an article about making people feel happy.  Spoiler alert: ice cream shops are an evidence-based way to bring joy.  But we could have told you that.   Articles discussed this episode: Donaldson, J.M., Trahan, M.A., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  An evaluation of procedures to increase cooperation related to hoarding in an older adult with dementia.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 410-414.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.112 Trahan, M.A., Donaldson, McNabney, M.K., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  The influence of antecedents and consequences on the occurrence of bizarre speech in individuals with dementia.  Behavioral Interventions, 29, 286-303.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1393 Moore, K., Delaney, J.A., & Dixon, M.R.  (2007).  Using indices of happiness to examine the influence of environmental enhancements for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disea

We're going beyond our years for next week's discussion all about research on behavioral gerontology.  But first, in errata, it's the return of the language master! And Diana is going nuts for a new eco-friendly straw. Articles for next episode: Donaldson, J.M., Trahan, M.A., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  An evaluation of procedures to increase cooperation related to hoarding in an older adult with dementia.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 410-414.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.112 Trahan, M.A., Donaldson, McNabney, M.K., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  The influence of antecedents and consequences on the occurrence of bizarre speech in individuals with dementia.  Behavioral Interventions, 29, 286-303.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1393 Moore, K., Delaney, J.A., & Dixon, M.R.  (2007).  Using indices of happiness to examine the influence of environmental enhancements for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 541-544.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2007.40-541

Ever feel like college and graduate classes are too boring for our modern times? Wish there were a way to improve the lecturing experience? Well, you're in luck because special guest Dr. James Soldner agrees and visits the show to share the magic of Interteaching.  We'll run down his research on the subject and get a crash course on how this behavioral teaching methodology can be implemented for maximum effectiveness.  And, no, we're not talking about the awesome, old cop show "Inter-Teach". Articles discussed this episode: Querol, B.I.D., Rosales, R., & Soldner, J.L.  (2015).  A comprehensive review of interteaching and its impact on student learning and satisfaction.  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4, 390-411.  doi: 10.1037/stl0000048 Soldner, J.L., Rosales, R., Crimando, W., & Schultz, J.C.  (2017).  Interteaching: Application of an empirically supported behavioral teaching method in distance rehabilitation education.  Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 31, 372-3

Two big things to keep in mind as we prepare for a full-length episode on interteaching with special guest, Dr. James Soldner.  First, we find out the results of April's Autism Awareness fund drive to raise money for Autism Compassion Africa.  Let's just say that we don't think Whitney's school in Ghana will be running low on chairs anytime soon! Second, Rob goes Hollywood and takes the rest of the gang with him.   Note for audio listeners: Do yourself a favor and go to YouTube or the Facebook page to get the full version of the Interteach TV show video.  We really think it's worth it! Articles for next episode: Querol, B.I.D., Rosales, R., & Soldner, J.L.  (2015).  A comprehensive review of interteaching and its impact on student learning and satisfaction.  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4, 390-411.  doi: 10.1037/stl0000048 Soldner, J.L., Rosales, R., Crimando, W., & Schultz, J.C.  (2017).  Interteaching: Application of an empirically supported behavioral teaching method in dis

From vocal tics to biting nails, we've got you covered in this week's episode on the use of habit reversal.  Rob shares what might be the ultimate resource guide to this nifty treatment package while Diana and Jackie describe the long, hard road behavior analysis took to make habit reversal an accepted intervention for Tourette disorder.  That means, we're talking randomized controlled trials, people!  All that and Rob tries to convince author Dr. Doug Woods to be his new best friend.  Seriously, Dr. Woods, please give him a call...he won't shut up about your talk! Articles discussed this episode: Miltenberger, R.G., Fuqua, R.W, & Woods, D.W.  (1998).  Applying behavior analysis to clinical problems: Review and analysis of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 447-469.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-447 Woods, D.W., Twohig, M.P., Flessner, C.A., & Roloff, T.J.  (2003).  Treatment of vocal tics in children with Tourette syndrome:  Investigating the efficacy of habit reversal.  Journa

Happy Earth Day, everyone! While we know not everyone will be spending today completely updating their lifestyle to be more eco-friendly, you can at least listen to one of our older episodes to hear a discussion of some research ideas on how you might go about being a bit kinder to the planet going forward. This episode was originally broadcast on April 26, 2017. Articles discussed this episode: Clark, R.N., Burgess, R.L., & Hendee, J.C.  (1972).  The development of anti-litter behavior in a forest campground.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 1-5.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1972.5-1 Foxx, R.M. & Schaeffer, M.H.  (1981).  A company-based lottery to reduce the personal driving of employees.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 14, 273-285.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1981.14-273 Miller, N.D., Meindl, J.N., & Caradine, M.  (2016).  The effects of bin proximity and visual prompts on recycling in a university building.  Behavior and Social Issues, 25, 4-10.  doi: 10.5210/bsi.v.25i0.6141 Chance, P. & Hewa

It's not quite RIRD; it's not quite CBT.  It's: Habit reversal! And it's what we'll be talking about in our full-length episode next week.  In the meantime Rob fears he's being entrapped by the BACB and we remind listeners to get CEs so we can donate all our fees to Autism Compassion Africa.  Only two weeks left in April so listen, listen, listen!!! Articles for next episode: Miltenberger, R.G., Fuqua, R.W, & Woods, D.W.  (1998).  Applying behavior analysis to clinical problems: Review and analysis of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 447-469.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-447 Woods, D.W., Twohig, M.P., Flessner, C.A., & Roloff, T.J.  (2003).  Treatment of vocal tics in children with Tourette syndrome:  Investigating the efficacy of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 109-112.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2003.36-109 Himle, M.B., Woods, D.W., Piacentini, J.C., Walkup, J.T.  (2006).  Brief review of habit reversal training for Tourette syndrome.  Journal of Child Ne

As part of Autism Awareness Month, ABA Inside Track is donating all money from CE processing fees to Autism Compassion Africa, a nonprofit group dedicated to improving the treatment of individuals with autism in Western Africa.  Diana and I spoke with one of the organization's founders, Whitney Hammel, about the work so far, about the newly founded school in Ghana, and about the challenges and rewards for a BCBA outside of the U.S. Remember, you still have two weeks to purchase CEs on a variety of topics.  If you'd rather donate directly to Autism Compassion Africa, you can do that as well.  Thank you!

Are you ok? Would a podcast all about teaching empathy skills make you feel better? What if I told you that this week's discussed articles have fun puppet videos? Strange face prompting? How about really promising results in mastery of identifying and showing empathy among participants with an autism diagnosis? Yeah, yeah, it'll be fine.  ABA Inside Track is here for you with a great big podcast-y hug. Articles discussed this episode: Schrandt, J.A., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2009).  Teaching empathy skills to children with autism.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 17-32.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-17 Argott, P.J., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2017).  Acquisition and generalization of complex empathetic responses among children with autism.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 107-117.  doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0171-7 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode