Procedural Fidelity

Procedural Fidelity refers to the degree to which an intervention or behavior modification procedure is implemented as intended and according to the prescribed protocol. It ensures that all components of the intervention are carried out correctly and consistently, which is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention. High procedural fidelity means the intervention is being applied as designed, without deviation, ensuring the results are valid and reliable.

Example

A behavior analyst designs a behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a student to reduce disruptive behavior in the classroom. To measure procedural fidelity, the teacher is observed to ensure they are following the steps of the plan exactly as written, such as delivering reinforcement immediately after appropriate behavior or using planned ignoring for disruptive actions. If the teacher consistently follows the protocol, the intervention’s effectiveness can be accurately assessed.

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