Date of Award

6-2016

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Stephanie Peterson

Second Advisor

Dr. Wayne Fuqua

Third Advisor

Dr. Heather McGee

Keywords

Data collection adherence, technology, autism, electronic data collection, immediate graphic feedback

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

While data are essential to behavior analysis, collecting the type of data that behavior analysts often require can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. There have been many attempts to reduce the amount of time and effort required to collect behavioral data; most research in this area has been focused on computerized or electronic ways to do this (Dixon, 2003). While electronic data collection seems to be gaining popularity within applied behavior analysis, many obstacles still exist. The purpose of this project was to design a data collection system that is cost-efficient, adaptable, easy to use, and effective at increasing data collection adherence. All the programmed technology used in this study is free and can be downloaded onto any device that runs Apple iOS, Google Android, or Microsoft Windows. This study used a customized data spreadsheet with embedded immediate graphic feedback using the Microsoft Excel® app and automatic scheduled prompts using a calendar app. This study used an A-B design to examine the effects of an electronic data sheet, immediate graphic feedback, and automated scheduled prompts on data collection adherence.

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