Title of presentation: Preference Stability in Typically Developing Children
Presenter: Emileigh Parda
Advisor: Andressa Sleiman, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate typically developing children’s preference stability across three days. We administered three, five-item paired-stimulus preference assessments (PSPA; as described by Fisher et al. 1992) using edible stimuli. We conducted the preference assessments with five siblings, ages ranging from 1-8 in their home. We evaluated each participant’s preference individually, but all on the same day. Overall, the most preferred stimuli and least preferred stimuli remained stable across the three trials. We conducted an intraclass correlation test (ICC) to investigate the stability of each participant’s preference across the three trials. Two participants’ preferences were statistically significantly stable, while preferences varied for three participants.
Title of presentation: Tacting Novel Sight Words Through DTT and NET
Presenter: Jazmine Hughes
Advisor: Corrie Wilkins, MS, BCBA
Abstract:
Discrete trial training (DTT) and natural environment training (NET) are two common methods utilized for teaching new skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DTT is a teaching method that involves presenting demands (usually at a table in a clinic room) through various trials. For this procedure, clinicians used flashcards containing written words for DTT. In contrast, Natural Environment Training (NET) encompasses teaching new skills in a natural environment (e.g., playroom, walks, etc). For this procedure, the clinician implemented trials through NET by using signs, posters, etc. containing the targeted sight words. The goal of these procedures was to teach novel sight words via tacting to an 8-year-old with ASD. Tacting is a term used to describe labeling items or words (e.g., bottle, fire, etc.). The client displays a deficit in vocal communication which requires him to communicate via a Proloquo2Go device. The Proloquo2Go is a tablet, containing words with the associated pictures, for the child to communicate needs and wants to those around him. This device also has a feature that allows clinicians and caregivers to add new words or phrases to expand the clients communication skills. Previously, a program was implemented to teach the client to tact 200 novel sight words through DTT. Due to the clients mastery with this program, the clinical team decided to further this skill by introducing new sight words. The procedures were conducted using a multielement design. A multielement design is an experimental method that allows for clinicians to collect baseline (e.g., a time when interventions are not in place) and a comparison of two or more interventions to see which one produced the higher rate of accuracy in comparison to baseline. In this design, both DTT and NET were performed simultaneously, with individual sets of sight words, to determine which teaching method produced consistent rates of accuracy. Ultimately, the procedures successfully demonstrated effectiveness of the DTT method.
Title of presentation: Latency-Based Functional Analysis of Aggression: Emphasizing the Value of the Behavior Analysis Services Program (BASP)
Presenter: Ashley Segarra
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
The case of a 4-year-old male who presented with problem behavior in the form of physical aggression toward others (ATO) is reported. ATO is a dangerous behavior that impairs learning opportunities, interpersonal relationships, opportunities for positive reinforcement, and opportunities to engage in preferred activities with others. Descriptive data indicated that the behavior occurred following diverted attention or denied access to preferred items. Due to the severity of the client's ATO, a latency functional analysis was conducted to clarify the function of the behavior. Dependent variables in the treatment of problem behavior are typically based on response repetition measures. Still, these measures may be problematic when behavior poses a high risk. Using a latency measure provided an alternative and safer format for functional analysis of the client's severe problem behavior by measuring the time from the presentation of an environmental event to the first occurrence of the target response. The latency functional analysis results indicated ATO was maintained only by denied access to preferred items. The results allowed technicians to determine if (1) the current interventions were functionally relevant, (2) if additional training and monitoring were required for the caregiver to use the procedures outlined in the behavioral plan effectively, (3) or if other function-based procedures were necessary.
Title of presentation: Teaching a Young Child with Autism How to Learn
Presenter: Ashlyn Jones
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
This project displays data from over a year of time teaching a young child with autism how to learn via motor imitation and the shaping up of such skills. This project displays the acquisition of fine motor, gross, motor, motor imitation of objects, motor imitation of leg and foot movements, as well as, motor imitation of items in discrimination for the same child.
Title of presentation: Rigidities Functional Analysis
Presenter: Ashlyn Jones
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
A standard functional analysis is utilized to identify the environmental variables that maintain maladaptive behaviors (Iwata et. al, 1982/1984). This functional analysis includes the results of a 16 year old male participant diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The behavior of concern was rigidities, in which occurred throughout the client's daily life and impeded the client's ability to complete everyday tasks. This functional analysis demonstrates the differences in responding based on the conditions outlined in previous research by Iwata et. al (1982/1984).
Title of presentation: Self-Management in Getting Up on Time for Working College Students Using Antecedenct Modification
Presenter: Bianca A Torres
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Quality sleep is essential for health and can be paramount for success in college. This is a challenging endeavor when undergraduate students are often balancing employment and class obligations. Antecedence modification is a valuable tool that can effectively and efficiently modify behavior. The purpose of this research project is to decrease the latency of getting out of bed following an alarm and was implemented in the context of a self-management procedure with one college student. The effects of two antecedent interventions will be compared using a multielement design. Reducing the response effort to shut off the alarm while still, lying-in bed decreases the latency of getting out of bed with the results shown.
Title of presentation: Self-Management Increasing Water Intake
Presenter: Caitlyn Rankin
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
In the fall semester I conducted a self management project to increase my water intake by utilizing antecedent manipulations. I took ABC (Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence) data throughout this experiment on the function of water intake. Furthermore, I implemented an antecedent modification of setting reminders to consume water. An ABAB (reversal) design was utilized to show the increase in water intake.
Title of presentation: A Self-Management Project on Time Management Through Antecedent Modification
Presenter: Courtney Newell and Lauren Fettis
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Effective time management can provide more effective and efficient work sessions, potentially increasing an individual’s perceived quality of life by reducing the overall time on academic or professional responsibilities. Antecedent strategies are low effort and can impact time on task as well as decrease common distractions (Miltenberger, 2016). The purpose of this project was to decrease distractors while devoting time to academic work in the context of a self-management procedure with one college student. The effects of two antecedent interventions, environmental modification and designated work time blocks, were compared using a reversal design. During both phases of baseline, the percentage of disrupted work intervals was high. When treatment was implemented, disruptions diminished to low levels in all three work environments. Overall, the intervention proved effective; a possible extension could include the addition of another work environment outside the home.
Title of presentation: Trial-Based Functional Analysis for Whining
Presenter: Cynthia Leon
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Functional Analysis confirms hypotheses regarding functional relations between problem behavior and environmental events. (Cooper et, al., 2020). The purpose of this study is to utilize similar methods outlined in Bloom et al. (2011) to find the function of the Client's whining behavior. Utilizing two Functional Analysis (FA) methods, trial-based and latency based, both data collection methods correlated with each other, demonstrating accuracy across both methods. These methods are useful to complete in environments where a functional analysis is not feasible, therefore, aiding with finding the function (reason why a behavior is occurring) in a more natural environment likes schools or homes. The Client's results concluded that whining was dually maintained by escape from demands (escape from tasks or activities) and access to tangibles (access to toys or snacks.) Additionally, due to the occurrence of whining during the attention condition in the FA, there may be a potential socially mediated component. Overall, this research concluded that trial-based and latency based procedures follow similar treatment efficacy to traditional FA and can be utilized when a traditional FA cannot be conducted.
Title of presentation: An Increase in Occurrences of Exercise Through the Utilization of Antecedent Manipulations Evaluated Via Multiple Element Design
Presenter: Delanie Johnson
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
This research project was conducted in the Fall of 2022. The subject conducted a self-management project in order to increase the amount of exercise that was done per week. The subject was a division 1 collegiate athlete and had knee surgery, which resulted in a decrease in exercise (The subject was completely healed and cleared for exercise activities at the time of the study). The subject used different antecedent manipulations in order to increase exercise. Every other week either a note saying "remember to workout" was on their mirror or their workout clothes were set out. It was shown through data that having workout clothes placed out and ready resulted in an increase in exercise per week.
Title of presentation: Assessment of Increased Response Effort: Are the Current Consequences No Longer Functioning as an Effective Punisher?
Presenter: Emily Craycraft
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
This poster includes the background information, data, results, and discussion regarding a client with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who has a history of engaging in high rates and magnitudes of self-injury. This client previously had a behavior plan that reduced self-injury to zero levels. Following mastery of this behavior plan, the clinical team continued to follow these procedures. However, within previous months, self-injurious behavior spontaneously recovered to significantly higher rates. Therefore, an assessment was conducted to determine whether the previous behavior plan still functioned as an effective punisher to reduce self-injury. The results of this assessment and consequent updated behavior plan are demonstrated within this poster presentation.
Title of presentation: Antecedent Modification to Increase Yoga Practice
Presenter: Hayden Ward
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Target Behavior, Operational Definition: Yoga is defined as stretching of the body, involving both physical poses and deep breathing techniques for 10 minutes. According to Sudo and Ando (2019), only 10 minutes of yoga are needed to promote physical and cognitive benefits. This form of exercise provides an easy and affordable way to increase physical activity at home. Therefore, the antecedent interventions utilized were: Intervention 1: Setting an alarm Wednesday-Sunday for 8:00 PM to practice yoga. Intervention 2: Setting a reminder Wednesday-Sunday for 5:00 PM upon coming home to “first do yoga, then _”. An iPhone 7 stopwatch was used to ensure that yoga is practiced for 10 minutes. Examples include any instance of physical stretching with deep breathing for at least 10 minutes or more. Non-examples include stretching the body without deep breathing for less than 10 minutes, or deep breathing without stretching the body for less than 10 minutes Measurement. Multielement Design with rotating intervention methods. Tools needed: yoga mat, iPhone 7 utilized for alarm, reminder, and stopwatch. Data collected on Wednesday-Sunday each week. At the end of each week, the number of days that the criteria were met was divided by the number of days that the criteria were not met for practicing yoga. ABC data were collected during baseline and treatment to determine the most common antecedent and consequences when criteria were not met. Results The majority of the days that the criteria were not met were maintained by avoiding the aversive consequences of not studying. Therefore it can be seen that negative reinforcement has primarily maintained avoidance behavior. This data suggest that the negative reinforcement obtained from practicing yoga (removal of pain) does not compete with the negative reinforcement contacted by avoiding the consequences of not studying. Furthermore, the second most common antecedent when criteria were not met was when the participant was out of town, this suggests that the interventions in place were not effective in different environments. More data is needed to assess the effects of the intervention and to compare the two antecedent modifications.
Title of presentation: To Comply or Not Comply
Presenter: Jennifer Ovalle
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
A behavior intervention plan was implemented for a 4-year-old client with ASD who engages in high rates of noncompliant behavior. Noncompliance was defined as any instance in which the client does not attempt to independently engage in the instructed response within 5 seconds of the initial SD (demand) after 3 attempts with 3-5 seconds in between each presentation of the SD(demand). Instances can also be categorized under noncompliance if the client engaged in other activities and counter control. The behavior intervention plan utilized a token economy that began with a token being received on an FR1 (fixed ratio) schedule with 5 tokens to currently receiving 10 tokens on a VR2 (variable ratio) schedule. Rules were also incorporated to set the contingency and increase compliance within demands presented. Clinicians then removed token procedures, to report on whether there was an increase or decrease in behaviors. This was done to gain insight as to whether a functional relationship was demonstrated between the behavior and the intervention, essentially depicting if the Token board procedures were still significant towards the increase of appropriate behaviors and decreased rates of maladaptive behaviors, which they were.
Title of presentation: Self-Management Project: Increasing Quality Time
Presenter: Kimberley Guiler
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
This study is a self-management project with the purpose of increasing quality time with a significant other. This project included a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) to hypothesize the maintaining function of quality time. Through the visual analysis of the FBA, it was concluded that quality time had a higher duration and frequency when predetermined activities were planned. Based on these findings, an antecedent manipulation, date night planning, was implemented. This self-management project is an ABA reversal design that includes a baseline, intervention, and return to baseline phases.
Title of presentation: Decreasing Nail Biting/Nail Picking
Presenter: Kirstyn Yountz
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
I did a self-management project where I put acrylic nails on as alternated between using a fidget toy and bad-tasting nail polish. I used a multielement design. My operational definition was any instance where the fingernail of an 10 fingers goes past the plan of both lips and front teeth.
Title of presentation: The Use of Antecedent Manipulation to Increase the Amount of Exercise Per Week
Presenter: Madeline Harper
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
I conducted a self-management project to increase the amount of times I exercise throughout the week through the utilization of antecedent manipulations. Prior to implementing my antecedent intervention I conducted a functional behavior analysis by analyzing self-reported antecedent-behavior-consequence (ABC) data. I then implemented antecedent manipulations including adding workouts to my calendar, charging my relevant devices, and having gym necessities ready. The intervention design used in this project was a multi-element design.
Title of presentation: Utility of Brief Alone Condition for Stereotypic Behaviors: A Case Study
Presenter: Martha Anderson
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
The screening assessment which includes brief alone or no interaction conditions may be utilized to hypothesize and predict automatically reinforced target behaviors as studied in research from Querim et al., (2013). Standard functional analyses (Iwata et al., 1982/1994) can be conducted to confirm predictions and demonstrate the utility of the screening tool when automatic reinforcement is suspected. This case study involves a six-year-old boy who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and engages in vocal and motor stereotypy. Stereotypic behaviors occur at moderate to high rates within the clinical setting and home setting. The target behaviors are hypothesized to be maintained by automatic reinforcement with sensitivities to social positive reinforcement in the form of attention. Due to caregiver concern for the impact of stereotypy on skill acquisition and social interactions, the clinical team elected to conduct assessments to determine the maintaining functions. Clinicians conducted a screening assessment and subsequent functional analysis to rule out the possibility of attention-maintained behaviors. The screening assessment consisted of brief, five-minute alone conditions, suggested automatic reinforcement as the maintaining variable. In addition, the standard functional analysis confirmed that the target behaviors are maintained by automatic reinforcement. The results from this case study demonstrate the utility of the brief alone conditions when automatic reinforcement is the suspected maintaining variable for target behaviors, and resources do not allow for conducting a full functional analysis.
Title of presentation: Comparison of Two Antecedent Strategies to Increase Exercise Duration
Presenter: Nicolle Quesada
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Although the importance of exercise is highlighted from primary school to high school, many college students that leave home for the first time struggle to live an active lifestyle. Transitioning from living with one’s parents to being an independent college student is a life-changing stage that makes young adults responsible for their own physical health. By using antecedent modification strategies, college students can easily target a wanted behavior and implement interventions that will help increase the behavior in the future. Strategies that target time management and scheduling can be very useful for young adults that are struggling with making fitness a priority. The purpose of the study was to increase fitness duration and was implemented in the context of a self-management procedure with one college student. The effect of two antecedent manipulations was evaluated utilizing a multi-element alternating treatment design. The two modifications the participant used were: (a) setting out gym clothes before going to bed and (b) wearing gym clothes to class. The participant randomly assigned morning and afternoon workouts using a coin flip and administered the antecedent modifications according to their designated day. If a morning workout was scheduled, the participant set out their gym clothes before going to bed so they would be ready to go to the gym before their classes. If an afternoon workout was scheduled, the participant wore their gym clothes to class so they could go to the gym straight after. The participant implemented the two antecedent modifications for three weeks and found a significant difference in the effectiveness of the two interventions. The antecedent modification of wearing gym clothes to class was chosen to be the maintaining intervention due to its effectiveness in increasing the target behavior. Although the student did find an overall increase in the target behavior, the antecedent modifications did not end up increasing the duration of each workout. In future studies, the addition of a third intervention can be paired with the successful antecedent modification of wearing gym clothes to class in hopes of increasing both the duration and occurrence of the target behavior.
Title of presentation: Reducing Alarms
Presenter: Sidney Wade
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
This project was a self-management project targeted at reducing the number of alarms needed to wake up in the morning using antecedent manipulations. The position of the alarm clock, eliminating caffeine late at night, and going to bed at an earlier hour were manipulated. The position of the alarm clock was found to bring the best results.
Title of presentation: Teaching a Child with Autism to Mand with Eye Contact
Presenter: Sydney McInnis
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Eye contact is an essential component of communication and is considered a rudimentary social skill that indicates attending to the speaker with whom the client is engaging. The 9-year-old male client recently began using vocal verbal communication but lacked eye contact when speaking with others and manding (requesting) for preferred items and activities. A skill acquisition program was implemented to help the client gain this skill utilizing a prompt fade method where clinicians began assisting heavily and reduced assistance throughout the program. However, when prompting was reduced and the client was required to emit eye contact independently, the percentage of eye contact decreased – indicating he had become reliant on assistance to make eye contact. The clinical team created a new protocol to implement using a prompt delay to combat the client’s prompt dependence. Since implementing the addended program, the clinical team has seen increased success in independent eye contact while manding for preferred items. This research utilizes a reversal design to demonstrate experimental control within the new procedures.
Title of presentation: A Comparison of Two Antecedent Inventions to Increase Self-Managed Exercise Behavior.
Presenter: Ursula Bay
Advisor: Leah Koehler, PhD, BCBA-D
Abstract:
Exercise is widely known as an essential component of leading a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of regular exercise are extensive and have been associated with improved brain function, mood, sleeping habits, reduced risk for chronic diseases, weight control, increased energy, and more. While there is substantial support for exercise as a cornerstone in improving overall mental and physical well-being, many individuals struggle to incorporate exercise as part of a daily routine. Behavioral research has shown that simple modifications to an individual's environment using antecedent control strategies can be highly effective in changing behavior. This project aims to increase exercise behavior by applying the antecedent control strategies of social commitment and scheduled phone notifications in a self-management study of one college student. An alternating treatment design was utilized to compare intervention effectiveness. The data collection is currently ongoing.
Title of presentation: Teaching Empathetic Responses to an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Presenter: Emma Devine
Advisor: Melissa Januchowski, MS, BCBA
Abstract:
The client is a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who demonstrates deficits in communication skills and prosocial behavior. The clinical team probed the client’s ability to respond to emotional scenarios empathetically, with which the client presented a skill deficit. In order to strengthen the client’s social skill repertoire and promote his ability to maintain meaningful relationships, the team elected to target empathetic responses to happy & exciting scenarios, sad & painful scenarios, and frustrating scenarios. The team utilized both Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to teach the client appropriate responses to each scenario, including “Are you okay?” “That’s exciting!” and “Do you need help?”. The team also targeted phrases such as “I’m sorry” and “Can I see?”. Following training, the client demonstrated proficiency with responding empathetically to emotional scenarios, mastering the program within five months. The clinical team will probe these responses once a week to maintain the responses over time.
Title of presentation: Psychedelics, Mystical-type Experience and Life Satisfaction
Presenter: Jo Schwab
Advisor: Tyler Towne, PhD
Abstract:
In this research, I explored the relationship between psychedelics, mystical-type experiences, and life satisfaction. Mystical-type experiences, or transcendental experiences, are most associated with contemplative religious traditions. However, psychedelics have also been shown to sometimes elicit similar experiences. This study helps to improve our understanding regarding psychedelic use and global levels of functioning through increased life satisfaction. We collected demographic information, self-reported satisfaction with life, general well-being, psychedelic use, mystical experience questionnaire, altered states of consciousness, and substance use. Though life satisfaction between users and non-users was equal, the findings did suggest a positive correlation between mystical-type experiences amongst psychedelic users and life satisfaction. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Title of presentation: Mental Health Service Deserts in Bay County, Florida: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities for Intervention Using GIS Mapping
Presenter: Michael Evans
Advisor: Tyler Towne, PhD
Abstract:
In Bay County, Florida, the 2022 Community Health Assessment revealed that a significant portion of the population has been diagnosed at some point in their life with a mental health condition, but many individuals reported not knowing where to find mental health treatment. To address this issue, GIS mapping analysis was used to identify areas of the county with limited mental health service availability. Household income was used as a variable to identify potential disparities in access to mental health care. The analysis revealed the presence of mental health service deserts in certain areas of the county, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. By pinpointing these gaps in service availability, the aim is to provide insight into opportunities for intervention and improve access to mental health care for all residents in Bay County. This research can inform policy decisions aimed at addressing disparities in mental health care access and ultimately improve the mental health outcomes of Bay County residents.
Title of presentation: Predictors of Beach Trash Pickup
Presenter: Samuel Merritt
Advisor: Tyler Towne, PhD
Abstract:
The research literature is sparse in regard to the psychology of pollution, particularly, trash pickup. This research project investigated the motivations, demographics, and characteristics of people, and beaches, that predict whether people pick up trash. We hypothesized that certain personal characteristics such as age, gender and feeling of ownership and connectivity (local vs non-local and private vs public beach), would predict whether an individual would be more likely to pick up trash. Highly visible bait-trash was placed in the direct path of beach-goers coming to the beach from a beach access. Researchers observed, from afar, whether the beach-goer would pick up, or not pick up, the trash. After allowing the beach-goer to continue down the beach, the researcher would then engage the respondent in a series of demographic questions arranged in an inconspicuous manner, not allowing the respondent to initially know that the survey was primarily about trash pickup. Respondents were asked their favorite sports team, age, where they were from, why they were at the beach and lastly, would they pick up trash on the beach and why or why not. (Gender data was observed and entered.). 492 beachgoers were survey. Results showed that certain demographics were good predictors to pick up trash such as being a local resident, private beach and three generational age groups. Gender, residency, as well as personal values and belief system failed to show prediction of trash pick up. Coastal pollution is a multifactorial global problem with environmental, health, and economic consequences. In this study, we focused on whether people pick up litter already on the beach. In such, this investigation is an initial probe into the psychology of pollution. Our study indicates that ownership and connectivity are major predictors of good trash stewardship. Whether an individual is walking down the beach or acting as a CEO of a large organization/industry, our daily thoughts/behavioral patterns regarding pollution are at the root cause of the pollution pandemic. Understanding the predictors of trash stewardship can guide future public policies in addition to more productive and cost effective campaigns of anti-pollution organizations.
Title of presentation: FSU PC and Students’ Mental Health
Presenter: Summer Bridges
Advisor: Tyler Towne, PhD
Abstract:
I administered a short, anonymous survey asking FSU PC students several questions. The purpose of the survey is to establish a link between measures used to benefit students' mental health and students' success at FSU PC. Consequently, the survey asked questions rating their anxiety and depression, if they have a previously been diagnosed with a DSM-5 disorder, their GPA, their use of the FSU PC counseling service, and their involvement on campus.
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