The Distributed Criterion Design

This article describes and illustrates a novel form of the changing criterion design called the distributed criterion design, which represents perhaps the first advance in the changing criterion design in four decades. The distributed criterion design incorporates elements of the multiple baseline and A-B-A-B designs and is well suited to applied behavior analytic investigations where participants allocate time for multiple tasks and adjust their performance in response to changing environmental demands. Strengths of the design include its capacity to (a) demonstrate numerous replications of experimental control, (b) incorporate bi-directional changes in target behaviors, and (c) minimize concerns associated with temporary withdraw or reductions in treatment.

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