Thesis Title
An Analysis of the Effects of Extinction Relative to Baseline Measures Including and Excluding Consumption Time
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science
Committee Member(s)
Dr. Stephanie Kincaid
Dr. Kara Wunderlich
Nicole Forbes
Supervising Faculty Member
Dr. Stephanie Kincaid
Abstract
Extinction bursts are a widely discussed phenomenon. The data analysis methods used to analyze the effects of extinction bursts have not been examined thoroughly within the field of applied behavior analysis, however. In this study, we implemented extinction procedures in a reversal design on three typically developing pre-school aged individuals. We then conducted two different data analysis methods. First, extinction effects were evaluated relative to one baseline measure including reinforcer consumption time and one baseline measure excluding reinforcer consumption time. Second, extinction was evaluated at the whole- and within-session (last five minutes of baseline and first ten minutes of extinction) level of analysis, based on procedures implemented by Katz and Lattal (2020). In total 1 extinction burst was observed out of 5 baseline to extinction transitions, when reinforcer consumption time was included. When reinforcer consumption time was excluded, the magnitude of this extinction burst was minimized. No additional extinction bursts were uncovered at the within-session level that were not observed at the whole-session level. The results of both data analysis methods are further discussed with regard to the implications they hold for utilizing rate of responding as a dependent measure when evaluating extinction effects in clinical treatment settings.
Recommended Citation
Keister, Kelti, "An Analysis of the Effects of Extinction Relative to Baseline Measures Including and Excluding Consumption Time" (2021). Thesis Projects. 25.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/mabacs_thesis/25
Rights Holder
Kelti Keister
Included in
Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
Comments
Portions of this research project were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. Appropriate precautions were implemented to protect the health of both researchers and participants. Consequently, the thesis requirements and expectations for Rollins College students were modified during this academic year to ensure quality research experience while also maintaining safety.