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A Proposed Model for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior

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Abstract

Practicing behavior analysts frequently assess and treat problem behavior as part of their ongoing job responsibilities. Effective measurement of problem behavior is critical to success in these activities because some measures of problem behavior provide more accurate and complete information about the behavior than others. However, not every measurement procedure is appropriate for every problem behavior and therapeutic circumstance. We summarize the most commonly used measurement procedures, describe the contexts for which they are most appropriate, and propose a clinical decision-making model for selecting measurement produces given certain features of the behavior and constraints of the therapeutic environment.

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Author Note

This article does not represent an official position of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Paige Raetz is now at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. Tyra Sellers is now at Utah State University. This model was developed as part of the Clinical Standards initiative at Trumpet Behavioral Health.

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Correspondence to Linda A. LeBlanc.

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LeBlanc, L.A., Raetz, P.B., Sellers, T.P. et al. A Proposed Model for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior. Behav Analysis Practice 9, 77–83 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0063-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0063-2

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