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Creating an Operational Definition of Target Behaviour Resource Package NOTE: This package consists of strategies which may or may not assist in responding to behaviour. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice or treatment from a qualified behaviour clinician.
Creating an Operational Definition of Target Behaviour How do we know what to take data on? 1. We select a behaviour to target for meaningful change. 2. We operationally define it – so anybody that walks in the room is able to read the definition, understand it, and then observe the individual engaging in the target behaviour in order to collect data. For instance: We cannot just say Billy engages in ‘picking’ and not describe that behaviour further – is it nose picking, skin picking or rectal picking? (Big difference!). The operational definition is written so that anyone who reads it will easily be able to identify if the behaviour is occurring or not.
So in order for an observer to reliably record each instance of target behaviour they see, the team should create (and agree upon) an operational definition.
An operational definition of behaviour should be: 1. Clear – Easy to understand 2. Observable – Can be seen 3. Measurable – Can be recorded
Remember Operational definitions are concerned with what a person does. They should not include guesses about what the person may be “thinking”, “feeling” or what you think might be going on etc.
Examples of Operational Definitions Good example of an operational definition ‘Agitation’ – when Susie uses an abrupt and loud tone of voice, which can be heard across the room. She may present with a flushed face, grimace, and might pace or shake her first.
Not so good example of an operational definition: Susie gets anxious and upset when people tell her what to do.
Try to include examples or ‘inclusions’. Also, define what would ‘not be included’ in your operational definition. For instance: ‘Incontinence’ – urinating or having a bowel movement (during waking hours) anywhere other than the toilet, when the toilet is accessible and John is able to do so. • Included: When John avoids or has a bowel movement in overnight briefs. • Excluded: When John is ill or has diarrhea.
It is also helpful to operationally define what you want the individual to do instead, or the proposed ‘replacement behaviour’. For instance: ‘Functional Communication Training’ – Anna will use functional communication for making requests, asking for help, requesting a break and/or to appropriately decline a staff request instead of engaging in challenging behaviour.
Time to Create your Own Operational Definition Target behaviour: 1.
_______________________ - which can be defined as when the individual …
Included:________________________________________________________________ Not included:_____________________________________________________________ 2.
_______________________ - which can be defined as when the individual ….
Included:________________________________________________________________ Not included:_____________________________________________________________ 3.
_______________________ - which can be defined as when the individual ….
Included:________________________________________________________________ Not included:_____________________________________________________________