ABA Exam CoachLessons · C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
C.1 · Operational definitions of behavior
Two observers watch the same kid for the same ten minutes, and one writes down five hits while the other writes down two. That's not a data problem, it's a definition problem. Today we'll fix it at the source.
Key takeaway
An operational definition describes behavior in observable, measurable terms, so that independent observers would record the same instances. A good one is objective, clear, and complete: it names actions rather than feelings or traits, a new observer could restate it accurately, and it sets boundaries with examples, non-examples, and onset and offset rules. Definitions can be topography-based (grouped by form) or function-based (grouped by shared effect on the environment). Both are legitimate as long as what you score is observable.
An operational definition describes behavior in observable, measurable terms, so that independent observers would record the same instances. A good one is objective, clear, and complete: it names actions rather than feelings or traits, a new observer could restate it accurately, and it sets boundaries with examples, non-examples, and onset and offset rules. Definitions can be topography-based (grouped by form) or function-based (grouped by shared effect on the environment). Both are legitimate as long as what you score is observable.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.