Visual Analysis
Also called: visual inspection
Definition
Judging from a graph whether behavior changed and whether the change is convincing, by examining level, trend and variability within each condition, and the immediacy, magnitude and consistency of change across conditions. It is the primary method of data interpretation in behavior analysis and it favors effects large and reliable enough to see without statistics.
In plain language
Reading a graph to decide whether the behavior really changed. Look at how high the data are, which way they are heading, and how much they bounce around.
Example
An analyst sees a stable, high baseline followed by an immediate drop and a steady low level in treatment, and concludes the change is convincing.
Not visual analysis
Running a statistical test on two conditions' averages. That is a different method, and in single-case work a secondary one.
See also
Written from
- kazdin-2011
- johnston-pennypacker-2020
Written from Kazdin (2011) and Johnston, Pennypacker and Green (2020). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.