Direct Measures of Medication Effects: Exploring the Scientific Utility of Behavior-Analytic Assessments
Author:
Lloyd Blair P.1,
Weaver Emily S.1,
Torelli Jessica N.1,
Pollack Marney S.1,
Fareed Sunya A.1,
Maxwell-Horn Angela C.2
Affiliation:
1. Blair P. Lloyd, Emily S. Weaver, Jessica N. Torelli, Marney S. Pollack, and Sunya A. Fareed, Vanderbilt University
2. Angela C. Maxwell-Horn, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore the scientific utility of two behavior analytic assessments (i.e., progressive ratio and demand assessments) for psychotropic medication evaluation. For a sample of 23 children with disabilities who were prescribed medication, we conducted a series of generalizability and optimization studies to identify sources of score variance and conditions in which stable estimates of behavior can be obtained. To inform construct validity, we calculated correlations between scores from each assessment and those from a standardized behavior rating scale (Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Second Edition; ABC-2). Results offer initial support for the scientific utility of progressive ratio scores. More research is needed to evaluate sensitivity to change and construct validity of scores from these and other behavior analytic assessments.
Publisher
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Neurology (clinical),Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous),Developmental and Educational Psychology,Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology,General Medicine,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health