Reversal Designs

Reversal Designs is an experimental design used to measure the effect of an intervention by observing changes in behavior across at least three phases: a baseline phase (A), an intervention or experimental phase (B), and a return to baseline phase (A). The purpose of the design is to demonstrate a functional relationship between the intervention and the behavior.

Example

A teacher wants to test the effectiveness of a token reinforcement system on reducing disruptive classroom behavior. During the baseline phase (A), the teacher observes and records the frequency of disruptive behavior without any intervention. During the intervention phase (B), the teacher implements the token system, and disruptive behaviors decrease. In the return to baseline phase (A), the teacher removes the token system, and the disruptive behaviors increase again. This ABA design helps demonstrate the impact of the token system on the student’s behavior.

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