Why Should Data Be Valid, Accurate, and Reliable?

Behavior change is data driven. Decisions should be made based on what the data indicate after measurement has occurred by either the BCBA or the RBT. It is crucial that data be accurate, valid, and reliable, or we run the risk of making decisions based on incorrect information. Validity means we are measuring the intended target. Accuracy means we are measuring what actually occurred. Reliability means we can measure the same thing over and over again. Let’s dig into each one a little deeper.

What Makes Data Valid?

Imagine you’re trying to track “hitting” behavior, or “off-task” behavior. Validity ensures that you’re indeed measuring hitting or off-task behavior, and not something else entirely. In essence, validity means your measurement aligns with your intended target behavior.

To achieve validity, consider these three crucial aspects:

• Direct Measurement: You must directly measure the behavior of interest. Direct measurement means you, yourself, observed the behavior of interest. You cannot make judgements or decisions without direct measurement. If you’re measuring on-task behavior, ensure that’s precisely what you’re observing.
• Relevant Dimension: Choose the relevant dimension of the behavior. If frequency matters, don’t record duration. Align your measurement with your specific goal.
• Relevant Conditions: Collect data in conditions where the behavior is most likely to occur. Measuring it when it’s typically punished or reinforced ensures your data are relevant to the real-world context.

What is Accurate Data in Applied Behavior Analysis?

Accuracy is about capturing what actually occurred while the behavior was measured. If someone engages in the behavior ten times, your data should reflect precisely that number, no more, and no less. However, accuracy can be compromised by measurement bias, which stems from non-random errors influenced by personal biases.

For example, if your goal is for someone to say “ball” five times consecutively, marking it as “five” when they stumble on the fifth attempt introduces measurement bias. It is imperative that BCBAs provide on-going monitoring of data collection to ensure that accuracy remains consistent.

What is Reliable Data in ABA?

Reliability ensures that your measurements are consistent over time. It means that when you measure the same event repeatedly, you obtain the same data each time. However, it’s crucial to understand that reliability alone doesn’t guarantee that the data is valid or accurate. It merely means you are measuring the same thing every time, even if it is the wrong thing.

For instance, if you consistently record three sneezes when measuring sneezing 10 times in a row, your data is reliable but not necessarily accurate. You must ensure your data is accurate, reliable, and valid as a BCBA or RBT.

To sum it up, valid, accurate, and reliable data are the foundation of successful behavior change procedures. Validity ensures you’re on the right track, accuracy guarantees you’re capturing the truth, and reliability provides the consistency needed for meaningful analysis. Always remember that while data can possess one of these qualities, it doesn’t automatically imply the other two. This is item C-8 on the fifth edition BCBA task list.

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