ABA

Fall Term 2022-23

Direct Observation Assignment

Purpose: Students will use the video provided to (1) identify targeted behavior(s), (2) develop

operational definition(s), (3) collect data using either a narrative ABC recording or an FAO

form, and (4) develop a 3-5 sentence summary of your data including a summary statement of

the behaviors’ function(s).

Note: The video is 20 min long and it will be necessary to watch the video more than once to

complete the assignment, so please allow time for this. Watch the recording once to first

identify the behavior(s) you will target and form operational definition(s). Then watch it

again to collect the data.

➢ This assignment will be worth 2 points

➢ Clear, complete, and quality operational definition(s) and data collection (1 point)

➢ Well-written conceptually systematic 3-5 sentence summary regarding function that is

based on data collected and includes a summary statement (1 point)

➢ Due on Tuesday at 11:59 pm ET

Use the following as a guide for formatting/submitting your assignment

Target behavior(s)

• Identify at least two (2) behaviors that you think are appropriate to assess.

• Label the behaviors and develop an operational definition of each using the criteria

discussed in the lectures.

Direct observation data

• Collect direct observation data for the entire video using one of the data collection

forms included in the resources section of the weekly shell. Note: If using the FAO,

be sure to prep the form by filling in targeted behaviors, predictors, etc identified in

the first review of the video if they are not already on the form. (Include the raw data

sheet as a separate attachment to your assignment)

• Review your data and identify any patterns.

Summary statement(s)

• Summarize the results by specifically focusing on a hypothesis of function using the

summary statement format and sample below as a guide. Note that setting events or

MOs may not be known. If so, state “none identified”

Setting Event or MO (if known)

Antecedent or Predictor

Behavior Maintaining Consequence

Fewer than 4 hours sleep

Presentation of difficult demands

Puts head down and cries

Escape task or reduce expectations