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Validating a Computerized Program for Supporting Visual Analysis During Functional Analysis: The Problem Behavior Multilevel Interpreter (PB.MI)


AUTHORS

Zheng ZKZ Kevin , Staubitz JJohn , Jessel JJoshua , Fruchtman TTess , Sarkar NNilanjan . Behavior analysis in practice. 2021 10 14; 15(2). 485-494

ABSTRACT

Computerized programs have been specifically developed in the field of applied behavior analysis for the purpose of automating data collection. Although they can potentially improve practicality of data collection for applied researchers and clinicians, program features of existing computerized programs do not include graphs and data interpretation generated in real time. We developed the Problem Behavior Multilevel Interpreter (PB.MI), which is designed to (a) allow for ongoing visual analysis of data displayed in real time and (b) support visual analysis with a computerized interpretation of functional control. The program was intended to be used during the functional analysis of problem behavior, specifically the single-session, interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis. In this article, we describe the program’s functioning abilities and how we validated those abilities. In addition, we discuss the PB.MI program’s practical utility.

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-021-00656-7.