Brian K. Martens, Florence D. DiGennaro, Derek D. Reed, Frances M. Szczech, & Blair D. Rosenthal. (2008).
Contingency space analysis: An alternative method for identifying
contingent relations from observational data
.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
41, 69-81.
Descriptive assessment methods have been used in applied settings to
identify consequences for problem behavior, thereby aiding in the design
of effective treatment programs. Consensus has not been reached, however,
regarding the types of data or analytic strategies that are most useful for
describing behavior–consequence relations. One promising approach involves
the analysis of conditional probabilities from sequential recordings of behavior
and events that follow its occurrence. In this paper we review several strategies
for identifying contingent relations from conditional probabilities, and propose
an alternative strategy known as a contingency space analysis (CSA). Step-by-
step procedures for conducting and interpreting a CSA using sample data are
presented, followed by discussion of the potential use of a CSA for
conducting descriptive assessments, informing intervention design, and
evaluating changes in reinforcement contingencies following treatment.
DESCRIPTORS: conditional probabilities, contingency space analysis,
descriptive assessment