Matt Harrington - masteringaba.com

An Analysis of Variables Affecting Behavior Analytic Practitioners’ Intention to Leave a Position and Leave the Field

An interdisciplinary telehealth model to increase the comfort and cooperation of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during routine dental exams

For behavior analysts, dental professionals, and clinicians working with adults with IDD, this post describes a telehealth, caregiver‑led model to reduce reliance on sedation, anesthesia, or restraint for routine dental exams. It shows how brief, scored mock‑exam data and staged behavioral supports can be used to make clear, ethical decisions about whether to attempt clinic care, train dental teams, or plan for more intensive intervention. Practical guidance covers coaching, simple supports, and limits to generalization so teams can prioritize dignity and informed choice.

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Comparing methods of evaluating sensitivity to common establishing operations and bias toward challenging behavior

Research Article Summaries

For behavior analysts and clinicians working with young children, this post compares two brief, trial-based assessment contingencies and what each reveals about sensitivity to establishing operations and bias toward challenging behavior. It outlines the trade-offs between a symmetrical (reinforce appropriate responses) and an asymmetrical (reinforce only severe behavior) setup so you can choose an approach that fits your clinical question while minimizing harm. Practical guidance shows how to turn ABA assessment data into clear, ethical decisions about risk management, skill teaching, and environmental supports.

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Contingency discrimination training and resurgence: effects of reduced extinction session durations

Research Article Summaries

On this page What is the research question being asked and why does it matter? What did the researchers do to answer that question? How you can use this in your day-to-day clinical practice Works Cited Contingency Discrimination Training and Resurgence: Effects of Reduced Extinction Session Durations When we teach a new skill to replace

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The effects of video modeling containing different exemplar types on procedural integrity

Research Article Summaries

For BCBAs, clinic supervisors, and RBT trainers, this post examines whether adding clearly labeled mistake clips to brief video models can improve staff procedural integrity. It focuses on reducing common errors that distort ABA data so teams can make clearer, ethically sound decisions about intervention and supervision. Practical tips cover choosing nonexemplars, pairing videos with short competency checks, and protecting learner dignity while turning fidelity data into actionable clinical choices.

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Understanding echoics: identifying predictive indicators of vocal imitation.

Research Article Summaries

For BCBAs, RBTs, and clinical teams working with young children with autism, this post helps translate intake VB-MAPP data into actionable priorities when echoic responding is weak or absent. It summarizes chart-review findings linking manding, spontaneous vocal behavior, and motor imitation with early echoic repertoires, and offers practical, ethical steps to prioritize communication-first targets. The focus is on using assessment data to make clear, humane decisions that reduce repeated failure and increase chances for vocal learning.

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Comparing human video modeling to animated video modeling for learners with autism

Research Article Summaries

For BCBAs, RBTs, and clinicians working with children with autism, this post compares human versus animated video modeling for teaching conversational vocal responses, facial expressions, and body language. It shows learners vary in which format supports faster, more accurate learning, so no single format is best for everyone. Use the study’s practical, data-driven guidance to run quick comparisons, set clear measurement criteria, and make individualized, ethical decisions about video-based instruction.

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Using AI-powered video feedback to improve ergonomics: An analog experiment

Research Article Summaries

For behavior analysts and clinicians aiming to reduce desk‑related neck strain, this post reviews a practical workflow for using short AI‑generated video feedback alongside ABA measurement. It summarizes an analog study showing improvement in neck posture, plus guidance on measurement limits, consent/privacy, fading plans, and environmental fixes. The emphasis is on using ABA data as one objective input to make clear, individualized, and ethically sound decisions about feedback and maintenance.

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Beyond social validity: Embracing qualitative research in behavior analysis

Research Article Summaries

This post is for ABA clinicians, supervisors, and researchers who want to make data-driven care more person-centered. It addresses the problem that numeric measures often miss clients’ lived context and can lead to goals focused on compliance rather than quality of life. Practical steps—brief intake interviews, ongoing open-ended social validity checks, and attention to power dynamics—show how to combine qualitative insight with ABA data to make clearer, ethically grounded decisions about targets and procedures.

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An analysis of interactive computer training on staff acquisition of MSWO preference assessment implementation

Research Article Summaries

For BCBAs, supervisors, and trainers who rely on MSWO preference assessments, this post examines whether interactive computer training alone produces trustworthy staff performance. The study found ICT rarely achieved 90% mastery—brief role-plays, targeted corrective feedback, and modeling were usually needed to reach fidelity. Use these performance checks and data-driven training steps to ethically ensure MSWO results are valid before using them to guide client treatment.

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Functional analysis and treatment of repetitive verbal behavior in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Research Article Summaries

For clinicians and school-based behavior analysts working with children with ASD, this post addresses repetitive verbal behavior that looks like a request but may actually be attention‑maintained. It describes brief functional analysis methods and a practical, dignity‑focused treatment package—teach a short attention FCR, answer the first query, then place repeats on scripted extinction with planned generalization and thinning. The goal is to turn ABA data into clear, ethical decisions that reduce repetitive speech without shutting down communication.

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