Exam 4: Research Methods

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Behavioral Skills Training (BST) is a teaching method that is used to develop or enhance an individual's skills in a specific area of behavior. BST is commonly used in various fields, including psychology, education, and organizational training. The method is particularly effective for teaching new behaviors or skills that require practice and feedback.

BST typically involves several key components:

1. **Instruction**: The trainer provides clear and concise instructions that describe the desired behavior or skill. This often includes explaining the rationale behind the behavior and when it should be used.

2. **Modeling**: The trainer demonstrates the behavior or skill, providing a concrete example for the learner to observe. This can be done live, through role-playing, or by using videos or other media.

3. **Rehearsal**: The learner practices the behavior or skill in a controlled setting. This allows the learner to attempt the behavior with the opportunity to correct mistakes and refine their technique.

4. **Feedback**: After the rehearsal, the trainer provides feedback on the learner's performance. Positive feedback is given for correct performance to reinforce the behavior, and corrective feedback is provided to help the learner improve.

BST is an evidence-based approach and is particularly effective because it combines several elements that are known to be effective in learning: direct instruction, modeling, practice, and feedback. It is often used to teach a wide range of skills, from simple tasks like handwashing to complex social skills like assertiveness or conflict resolution.

The effectiveness of BST can be enhanced by incorporating additional elements such as:

- **Generalization**: Training the learner to apply the skills in different contexts and situations outside of the training environment.
- **Maintenance**: Ensuring that the skills continue to be used over time and do not diminish once the training is complete.

BST is widely used in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. It is also used in corporate training programs, sports coaching, and any other context where there is a need to teach practical, observable skills.

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

External validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized or applied to other settings, populations, times, and measures beyond the specific conditions of the original research. It is concerned with the applicability and transferability of the research findings.

When a study has high external validity, it means that its conclusions can be confidently extended to contexts outside of the experimental conditions. This is particularly important for research that aims to influence policy, inform best practices, or contribute to a broader understanding of a phenomenon.

Factors that can affect external validity include:

1. **Population Validity**: Whether the study's participants accurately represent the larger population the researcher wants to generalize to.

2. **Ecological Validity**: The degree to which the study's environment, procedures, and materials reflect the real-world setting to which the results will be applied.

3. **Temporal Validity**: The study's findings remain relevant and applicable over time, despite potential changes in the environment, society, or population.

4. **Test Validity**: The extent to which the instruments or measures used in the study can be used in other situations or with different groups.

5. **Situational Validity**: The study's results are applicable to other situations or conditions beyond those specifically tested.

Researchers often strive to balance internal validity (the degree to which a study establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between variables) with external validity. However, achieving high external validity can be challenging, especially in controlled laboratory settings, which may not accurately reflect real-world conditions. Methods to enhance external validity include using random sampling techniques, conducting field experiments, and replicating studies in different settings and with different populations.