A parametric analysis of procedural fidelity errors following mastery of a task: A translational study

Abstract

Procedural fidelity is defined as the extent to which the independent variable is implemented as prescribed. Research using computerized tasks has shown that fidelity errors involving consequences for behavior can hinder skill acquisition. However, studies examining the effects of these errors once skills have been mastered are lacking. Thus, this translational study investigated the effects of varying levels of fidelity following mastery of a computerized arbitrary matching-tosample task. A group design (consisting of five groups) was used in which college students initially completed 250 trials during which no programmed errors (i.e., perfect fidelity) were arranged, followed by an additional 250 trials with consequences delivered across various levels of fidelity (i.e., 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of trials administered without errors). The results showed that participants assigned to higher fidelity conditions performed better (on average). These results extended the findings of previous studies by demonstrating how errors involving consequences affect behavior across various stages of learning.

Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words

“…Although a group design was used to limit potential sequencing, history, and repeated testing confounds, not exposing participants to all parametric manipulations may have influenced the findings. Between‐subject designs are being used more in behavior analysis (Bergmann et al, 2021; Falakfarsa et al, 2023); however, a single‐case design using a within‐subject manipulation would be beneficial and allow for intrasubject replicability and more rigorous experimental control. Future research could consider replicating the findings of this study using a within‐subject multielement design to investigate how various rates of disfluencies affect behavior at an individual level.…”