| BATS |
Behavior Analysis Training System |
Psy 360
Concepts of Behavior Analysis
Disconnects and Remedies
The scantrons are made into a spreadsheet containing the results of all students' answers on one sheet. However, after these forms are picked up they are misplaced in the BATS lab. Sometimes they are placed on a shelf, but because they are not labeled properly we do not know if they are course evaluations or pre-/posttest results. Also, we do not know what semester or course (PSY 360, 100H, or 460) these results are from because they are not properly labeled. Consequently, we needed to create a better labeling and organization system. Last semester, the systems manager or the assistant manager would label each form with the test/evaluation name, semester, year, and course (PSY 360 or 100H). Unfortunately, the filing system still needs work because they are still getting misplaced after we have analyzed the data. One idea is to create a filing system within the PSY 360 file cabinet specifically for these forms and to keep all related forms together with binder clips. There also needs to be a system for entering some of this data into the BATS lab computer into an excel program for easier analysis as well as to create graphs of the results.
To find the most missed contingencies among the students, post-test results from Winter and Summer 2002 semesters are analyzed. We found students making the same mistakes on the test for both semesters. Therefore, we decided to create a homework assignment focusing on the common problems students were having with these contingencies. For example, students were commonly mistaking escape contingencies as avoidance contingencies. The homework assignment is supposed to help students see and understand these common problems so they will not make the same mistakes on the post-test. The assignment was completed at the end of last semester. Super A students completed the assignment and offered feedback for confusing homework examples. However, it was not given to students enrolled in PSY 360/100H because of time restrictions. This semester, Ben and Nathalie are revising the assignment to hopefully tighten our focus on the eight basic contingencies common problems and address some of the concerns the Super A students brought to our attention. We plan on distributing a pre-test before the assignment and then a post-test after the assignment. This is to see if the assignment was addressing the common problems in an easy and understandable manner. Using this information, we will make more revisions to the assignment and include it permanently to the course pack starting the following semester.
This caused a problem because we did not know what to do when problems occurred, what are the system duties and responsibilities for each person involved in the system, is there a timeline for projects, and what some past projects were as well as disconnects. Basically, the systems manager held a meeting with the assistant systems manager to discuss what he did the previous semester and the goals for this semester. However, there were still problems with understanding what needed to be done for the system as well as who was responsible for these tasks. Therefore, Lesley and I started composing a manual for the system for any person involved in the PSY 360/100H system. This semester, Ben is revising the manual and adding more material to make transitions easier for those assigned to this system. The TA manual also needed to be revised as a continuation of my mini-project from last semester. The TAs completed a TA manual evaluation I composed. I found the TAs would like a paper-based manual rather than a hyperlinked manual. Therefore, this semester I am continuing this project by separating the topics into sections including seminar, GradeQuick, rat lab, TA meetings, Super A, BACC, and job aids.Despite these problems, the PSY 360/100H system is functioning effectively. Resolving these problems only brings the system closer to achieving its goal. Therefore, it is important to constantly evaluate and revise the systemfs materials and procedures.