A METHOD TO INTEGRATE DESCRIPTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL FIELD STUDIES AT THE LEVEL OF DATA AND EMPIRICAL CONCEPTS¹

Abstract

It is the thesis of this paper that data from descriptive and experimental field studies can be interrelated at the level of data and empirical concepts if both sets are derived from frequency-of-occurrence measures. The methodology proposed for a descriptive field study is predicated on three assumptions: (1) The primary data of psychology are the observable interactions of a biological organism and environmental events, past and present. (2) Theoretical concepts and laws are derived from empirical concepts and laws, which in turn are derived from the raw data. (3) Descriptive field studies describe interactions between behavioral and environmental events; experimental field studies provide information on their functional relationships. The ingredients of a descriptive field investigation using frequency measures consist of: (1) specifying in objective terms the situation in which the study is conducted, (2) defining and recording behavioral and environmental events in observable terms, and (3) measuring observer reliability. Field descriptive studies following the procedures suggested here would reveal interesting new relationships in the usual ecological settings and would also provide provocative cues for experimental studies. On the other hand, field-experimental studies using frequency measures would probably yield findings that would suggest the need for describing new interactions in specific natural situations.

A Preliminary Analysis of the Effects of Coaching Feedback on Teacher Implementation Fidelity of First Step to Success

“…Of emphasis in this section will be the links between this basic research paradigm (Bijou, 1957) and current therapeutic practice. We will conclude with a discussion of what many, including Bijou himself (Bijou, 2001) (Bijou, Peterson, & Ault, 1968). First, a brief history of Bijou's early educational and professional career is warranted given that the intent of this paper is to draw a link from Bijou's theory and research to current best practices in the field of applied behavior analysis.…”

“…Bijou advocated for a science in which conclusions about the causes of behavior were based on the continuous and reciprocal interactions between behavior and environmental events, rather than on hypothetical constructs (Bijou et al, 1968). This position was of critical importance for practitioners, as behavior was not viewed as a constant but rather as something that was malleable, that could be changed by way of manipulating environmental events.…”

A Tribute to Sidney W. Bijou, Pioneer in Behavior Analysis and Child Development: Key Works That Have Transformed Behavior Analysis in Practice

“…Descriptive Analysis: "A Method to Integrate Descriptive and Experimental Field Studies at the Level of Data and Empirical Concepts" (Bijou, Peterson, & Ault, 1968) After a one-year post-doctoral fellowship under B. F. Skinner at Harvard University, Bijou returned to the University of Washington in 1962 and continued his work with operant principles as applied to young children with DD. Three years later, Bijou left the University of Washington and was appointed to Full Professor at the University of Illinois in both the psychology and education departments.…”

“…More importantly, Bijou's approach has led to a greater understanding of child development and behavior. This tribute will highlight what may be three of Bijou's most significant contributions to practice, namely his studies on (a) programmed instruction for children with developmental disabilities (Bijou, Birnbrauer, Kidder, & Tague, 1966), (b) children's responding under schedules of reinforcement and extinction (Bijou, 1957), and (c) the use of descriptive analysis to identify functional relations (Bijou, Peterson, & Ault, 1968). Keywords: A-B-C recording, academic skills, anecdotal observation, child development, descriptive analysis, direct observation, programmed instruction, schedules of reinforcement, social skills, S. W. Bijou.…”

“…Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2(2), 4-10 have considered to be one of Bijou's most influential works, namely, his seminal paper, "A Method to Integrate Descriptive and Experimental Field Studies at the Level of Data and Empirical Concepts" (Bijou, Peterson, & Ault, 1968). First, a brief history of Bijou's early educational and professional career is warranted given that the intent of this paper is to draw a link from Bijou's theory and research to current best practices in the field of applied behavior analysis.…”