Reference no: EM133028192

Assignment: Baseline Recording Assessment

Objective
A baseline allows observers to measure behaviour very precisely. Baselines are recorded prior to the introduction of teaching or an intervention, and provide a measure of the current level of a skill or behaviour under usual circumstances. This measure allows for the identification of realistic support and learning objectives. It also provides a mechanism for evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention strategy when the baseline is repeated after the intervention and the results are compared to those obtained in the initial baseline period. Because baseline data is often recorded by more than one person, it is important for directions to be clearly stated in order to ensure consistency and accuracy. By actually carrying out a baseline plan, the student will recognize the importance of clear instructions and the realities and benefits of this type of an assessment.

General Expectations
The report to be submitted will be approximately 2-3 pages in length plus an Appendix A (data collection sheet), Appendix B (the corresponding graph) and Appendix C (anecdotal records). The assignment is to be typed, with a title page and page numbering. The graph (Appendix B) must be plotted on the computer, on a table created on the computer, or on actual graph paper that is scanned to a Word document.

Maintain confidentiality throughout the assignment. The person''s name and other identifying information must not be included in the assignment. A consent must be completed if the person being observed.

You will need to have a second person observe on one of the data collection sessions so that a proper IOR process can be completed. Do this on the first or second session so that you can identify problems before you have invested too much time.

To complete this assignment, all course module readings must be completed (Modules 1-6) must be completed. The material in Module 5 will allow you to design the baseline, start collecting data, and complete the IOR process. You will need to review the material in Module 6 to determine how to analyze, graph, and discuss the raw data you collect.

Criteria
Using the provided headings, the instructions for completing the baseline should be complete and clear. Could your plan, as written, be carried out by another person in the setting you have intended? Does the data collection method fit the behaviour you want to observe, and has the data been properly graphed?

Instructions
Select an individual to work with that you would be able to consistently observe at least five times in a week long period. This person could be someone with a disability you are supporting at the place you are completing your practicum or your place of employment. Ensure that your supervisor has reviewed the assignment and given you the okay to complete the assignment. Ask your supervisor for ideas on what to observe so that the baseline can be as relevant as possible for the program participant and the agency. If it is not possible to complete the assignment at a practicum, select a person or child that you know and discuss this option with the course instructor. In most cases, it does not matter who you are observing since the purpose of the assignment is to experience designing, implementing, and evaluating a baseline, NOT teaching a new skill or behaviour.

Based on the data recording information presented in the course material and in the Alberto and Troutman text, complete the following components using the provided headings in you report. Use the guidelines and samples presented in the module. Students are encouraged to utilize the full sample of a completed baseline found in the "Tools and Templates" folder called "Baseline Example for Assignment 4 Download Baseline Example for Assignment 4." Keep in mind that your data collection may look much different than the example. Look at the outline provided for each recording method that is in the module.

Resources
Examples that may be helpful for the baseline recording assignment:

Examples of Baselines: All Recording Types Download Examples of Baselines: All Recording Types
How to choose a recording method
Possible charts to use for different recording methods: Examples of Data Recording Sheets Download Examples of Data Recording Sheets
Examples of Operational Definitions Download Examples of Operational Definitions(also refer to pages 46-47 in your text)
In addition, chapters 4 and 5 in the text provide examples of procedures for collecting and graphing data.

Assignment Headings:
1. Baseline Title
Indicate the baseline title.

2. Target Behaviour
Indicate the behaviour or skill that you are planning to observe. Do not over describe. This should be a brief statement of the behaviour or skill about one sentence in length.

3. Operational Definition
Describe the target behaviour in observable, measurable terms so that all observers would clearly identify the behaviour's occurrence. Provide all of the information necessary for the data recording system you have selected

4. Purpose of Baseline
Why was this behaviour selected? What do you hope to learn from baselining this behaviour? How did you come to the conclusion to observe this behaviour? Why was the recording system selected?

5. Baseline Directions & Recording Procedures
This is the section where you give instructions on how to complete the baseline. Follow the process for this section as indicated in the sample baseline and in the recording method example that matches the recording method you are using. There should be seven steps that cover the following. Number the steps in sequence.
Data must be collected for a minimum of four trials.

6. IOR Directions
In task analysis format, give directions as to when, how and by whom data is to be recorded by a second observer. IOR must be taken for at least one trial or session. See the sample.

7. Discussion of Results
In a half page response, discuss the results of the baseline. Describe the following:
Central tendency - range, mean, median, mode
Calculate IOR agreement and implications
Discuss possible sources of error and problems
Highlight what all the data suggests about the target behaviour for this person

8. Recommendations
In one or two sentences, indicate recommendations you have based on the results of the baseline.

9. Appendix A (data collection sheet)
Design and complete an appropriate data collection sheet for your particular baseline.

10. Appendix B (graph)
Design and complete a graph using the format and labels. Include a section for the baseline and implementation.
Label each axis, provide an aim line and aim star and record the IOR observer findings.
Your graph must be embedded in the report (either created on the computer or scanned into the document). Do not send the graph as a separate file.

11. Appendix C (anecdotal records)
Include the anecdotal records that were taken for each of the four or more data collection sessions. Write observably, objectively and where applicable, use ABC format.

Part B Baseline Recording Assessment

This assignment requires you to design and carry out a simple baseline plan. It does not necessarily have to be done with a person with a disability. You are required to obtain written consent.

Part B:

Objective
A baseline allows observers to measure behaviour very precisely. Baselines are recorded prior to the introduction of teaching or intervention, and provide a measure of the current level of a skill or behaviour under usual circumstances. This measure allows for the identification of realistic support and learning objectives. It also provides a mechanism for evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention strategy when the baseline is repeated after the intervention and the results are compared to those obtained in the initial baseline period. Because baseline data is often recorded by more than one person, it is important for directions to be clearly stated in order to ensure consistency and accuracy. By actually carrying out a baseline plan, the student will recognize the importance of clear instructions and the realities and benefits of this type of assessment.

General Expectations
The report to be submitted will be approximately 2-3 pages in length plus an Appendix A (data collection sheet), Appendix B (the corresponding graph) and Appendix C (anecdotal records). The assignment is to be typed, with a title page and page numbering. The graph (Appendix B) must be plotted on the computer, on a table created on the computer, or on actual graph paper that is scanned to a Word document.

Maintain confidentiality throughout the assignment. The person''s name and other identifying information must not be included in the assignment. A consent must be completed if the person being observed.

You will need to have a second person observe on one of the data collection sessions so that a proper IOR process can be completed. Do this on the first or second session so that you can identify problems before you have invested too much time.

To complete this assignment, all course module readings must be completed (Modules 1-6) must be completed. The material in Module 5 will allow you to design the baseline, start collecting data, and complete the IOR process. You will need to review the material in Module 6 to determine how to analyze, graph, and discuss the raw data you collect.

Criteria
Using the provided headings, the instructions for completing the baseline should be complete and clear. Could your plan, as written, be carried out by another person in the setting you have intended? Does the data collection method fit the behaviour you want to observe, and has the data been properly graphed?

Instructions
Select an individual to work with that you would be able to consistently observe at least five times in a week long period. This person could be someone with a disability you are supporting at the place you are completing your practicum or your place of employment. Ensure that your supervisor has reviewed the assignment and given you the okay to complete the assignment. Ask your supervisor for ideas on what to observe so that the baseline can be as relevant as possible for the program participant and the agency. If it is not possible to complete the assignment at a practicum, select a person or child that you know and discuss this option with the course instructor. In most cases, it does not matter who you are observing since the purpose of the assignment is to experience designing, implementing, and evaluating a baseline, NOT teaching a new skill or behaviour.

Based on the data recording information presented in the course material and in the Alberto and Troutman text, complete the following components using the provided headings in you report. Use the guidelines and samples presented in the module. Students are encouraged to utilize the full sample of a completed baseline found in the "Tools and Templates" folder called "Baseline Example for Assignment 4 Download Baseline Example for Assignment 4." Keep in mind that your data collection may look much different than the example. Look at the outline provided for each recording method that is in the module.

Resources
Examples that may be helpful for the baseline recording assignment:

Examples of Baselines: All Recording Types Download Examples of Baselines: All Recording Types

How to choose a recording method
Possible charts to use for different recording methods: Examples of Data Recording Sheets Download Examples of Data Recording Sheets
Examples of Operational Definitions Download Examples of Operational Definitions(also refer to pages 46-47 in your text)
In addition, chapters 4 and 5 in the text provide examples of procedures for collecting and graphing data.

Assignment Headings:
1. Baseline Title
Indicate the baseline title.

2. Target Behaviour
Indicate the behaviour or skill that you are planning to observe. Do not over describe. This should be a brief statement of the behaviour or skill about one sentence in length.

3. Operational Definition
Describe the target behaviour in observable, measurable terms so that all observers would clearly identify the behaviour's occurrence. Provide all of the information necessary for the data recording system you have selected

4. Purpose of Baseline
Why was this behaviour selected? What do you hope to learn from baselining this behaviour? How did you come to the conclusion to observe this behaviour? Why was the recording system selected?

5. Baseline Directions & Recording Procedures
This is the section where you give instructions on how to complete the baseline. Follow the process for this section as indicated in the sample baseline and in the recording method example that matches the recording method you are using. There should be seven steps that cover the following. Number the steps in sequence.
Data must be collected for a minimum of four trials.

6. IOR Directions
In task analysis format, give directions as to when, how and by whom data is to be recorded by a second observer. IOR must be taken for at least one trial or session. See the sample.

7. Discussion of Results
In a half page response, discuss the results of the baseline. Describe the following:
Central tendency - range, mean, median, mode
Calculate IOR agreement and implications
Discuss possible sources of error and problems
Highlight what all the data suggests about the target behaviour for this person

8. Recommendations
In one or two sentences, indicate recommendations you have based on the results of the baseline.

9. Appendix A (data collection sheet)
Design and complete an appropriate data collection sheet for your particular baseline.

10. Appendix B (graph)
Design and complete a graph using the format and labels. Include a section for the baseline and implementation.
Label each axis, provide an aim line and aim star and record the IOR observer findings.
Your graph must be embedded in the report (either created on the computer or scanned into the document). Do not send the graph as a separate file.

11. Appendix C (anecdotal records)
Include the anecdotal records that were taken for each of the four or more data collection sessions. Write observably, objectively and where applicable, use ABC format.