Line Graphs in Behavior (Essay Sample)

Instructions:

Discuss the importance of essential structures and quality features of line graphs to increase the integrity of line graphs in applied behavior analysis. Why is this not an issue in other sciences? A Critical Review of Line Graphs in Behavior Analytic Journals Richard M. Kubina Jr. 1 & Douglas E. Kostewicz 2 & Kaitlyn M. Brennan2 & Seth A. King3 Published online: 3 September 2015 # Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015 Abstract Visual displays such as graphs have played an instrumental role in psychology. One discipline relies almost exclusively on graphs in both applied and basic settings, behavior analysis. The most common graphic used in behavior analysis falls under the category of time series. The line graph represents the most frequently used display for visual analysis and subsequent interpretation and communication of experimental findings. Behavior analysis, like the rest of psychology, has opted to use non-standard line graphs. Therefore, the degree to which graphical quality occurs remains unknown. The current article surveys the essential structure and quality features of line graphs in behavioral journals. Four thousand three hundred and thirteen graphs from 11 journals served as the sample. Results of the survey indicate a high degree of deviation from standards of graph construction and proper labeling. A discussion of the problems associated with graphing errors, future directions for graphing in the field of behavior analysis, and the need for standards adopted for line graphs follows. source..

Content:

Line Graphs in Behavior Student Name: Course: Institution: Instructor: Date: Line Graphs in Behavior Line graphs are essential structures used in applied behavior analysis to represent events or observations over time. Line graphs are also used for visualizing relationships between change and potential interventions. While graph choice can generally be viewed as largely subjective, there are several quality features which should be considered for optimizing both the integrity and the interpretability of line graphs. In general, the quality of line graphs is heavily dependent on the data’s accuracy, the scale, and the types of data points used. A common issue seen in applied behavior analysis is that the line graphs are often too large, crowded, or lack axes labels (Kubina et al., 2017). This reduces the interpretability of the graph, and can reduce the accuracy of analysis. To help ensure the integrity of line graphs, it is important to consider the scale of the data points as well as the data points to be graphed (e.g., precision of data). In addition, utilizing gridlines along with labeled axes are essential to allow accurate interpretation. Unlike other sciences, line graphs in applied behavior analysis must also consider additional variables such as the behavior itself, and the consequences provided. To ensure the accuracy and interpretability of the graph, it is important to specify the behavior targeted, antecedents for the behavior, and any potential outcomes/consequences of engaging in the behavior (Ivey-Stephenson, 2020). Failing to include all of these variables can lead to misinterpretations or false conclusions being drawn. Overall, line graphs are essential structures for analyzing behavior, and should be constructed with quality features in mind. Doing so helps to increase the integrity, accuracy, and interpretability of the line graph (Kubina et al., 2021). Ensuring the accuracy of the data, and the scale of the data points, will help to ensure the accuracy of any interpretations drawn from the graph. For applied b...

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Line Graphs in Behavior (Essay Sample)

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