Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice by Johnston James M.; Pennypacker Henry S.; Green Gina

Author:Johnston, James M.; Pennypacker, Henry S.; Green, Gina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Published: 2019-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Range. Another feature of variability that is important in identifying steady states is range. The highest and lowest values in a data set define its range. It is particularly easy to determine the range of a set of values when data are plotted on a graph. Figure 10.4 shows some different patterns of variation in range that can influence decisions about steady states.

The data sets in Panels A and B each show a fairly consistent range from beginning to end. Whether the range of either data set would be acceptable for an investigator would depend on the actual values the data points represent, given the features of the study. For example, the nature of the research question, the relevant literature, the target behavior being measured, the general preparation under which responding occurs, and the independent variable all may suggest how much variability is acceptable. For these reasons, a laboratory study of the effects of a drug on the schedule performance of rats might require less variability in the data than a field study of the effects of an intervention on the behavior of children with learning disabilities in a classroom setting.

FIG. 10.4. Data showing different patterns of variability in range.

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