The use of direct observation methods to collect data relevant to research and practice in special education is widespread. Although the reliability of such data has often been addressed, far less attention has focused on the accuracy of these data. The purposes of this article are (a) to review research on factors that adversely affect the accuracy of observers, and (b) to provide recommendations for reducing their possible influence. The areas discussed include reactivity, observer drift; the recording procedure; location of the observation; reliability; expectancy and feedback; and the characteristics of subjects, observers, and settings.
ABSTRACT. Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) is a relatively common phenomenon among severely retarded persons and involves various repetitious behaviours resulting in tissue damage. Perhaps because of the damage it does, the behaviour has generated a considerable amount of applied research and discussion, and much of this research has involved attempts to reduce SIB through the manipulation of antecedents or consequences. The purpose of this paper was to determine the extent to which those conducting this research used a functional analysis of SIB to determine why the behaviour was occurring and subsequently matched treatment to one of these reasons. Results showed that only a small proportion of the studies reported analyses that would allow the experimenter to determine reasons for the self-injurious behaviour. The discussion centres on why functional analyses are not conducted in ways that would lend treatment to be based on hypotheses of why SIB occurs.
The prevelance of behaviorally disordered pupils who receive psychotropic medication is remarkably high. Individuals who work with these pupils in educational settings need to be familiar with the drugs prescribed, their intended effects, and their unintended side effects. This article presents information on stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium. Guidelines for teachers and other school personnel who work with students on medication are also provided.
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