Positive Behavior Support and Operational Definitions

1. Positive Behavior Support and Operational Definitions

2. Goals of PBS • Make problem behavior inefficient and ineffective • Provide support across all aspects of a person’s life • Allow the person to be able to function within the environment s/he chooses to live

3. Defining Behavior • Observable and measurable terms • Operational Definitions – describe the concepts in a manner that anyone can see and measure

4. A framework for creating an operational definition • One word that captures the essence of what you are trying to observe: • Compliance: • What would you expect to see if you saw someone engaging in that behavior? • Compliance: Sitting in seat, pen out, writing on paper The sub test: could anyone look at your operational definition, and without asking any questions, take data that match yours?

5. Dead Man Test If a dead man can do it, it ain't behavior, and if a dead man can't do it, then it is behavior (Malott & Suarez, 2003). • Focus on DO rather than DON’T • Child is not finishing his/her work • Child twirls pen and draws pictures on his/her paper • Must be specific and precise • Child uses abusive language • Child says “(insert phrase here)”

6. EXAMPLES OF OPERATIONAL DEFINTIONS Trish intentionally hits other people. Trish hits other people during recess Carlos is always disruptive. Carlos makes comments that do not relate to the topic or that include swear words • Jan leaves her assigned seat without permission • Jan completes less than 10% of assigned work Jan can’t sit still Because of her ADD.