Descriptive Assessment of Procrastination

Descriptive Assessment
Your Name
University
PSY7712 Behavior Analytic Assessments
Professor 
Month Day, 2021
Descriptive Assessment
Before determining an intervention that can be use to minimize procrastination behaviors in my brother, it is essential to conduct a descriptive assessment that could be used to understand the antecedents and consequences of the behaviors. Partial-interval recording was identified as the most ideal measurement method for the behavior of interest. In this paper, the descriptive assessment of procrastination in my brother is discussed as conducted over a period of five weekdays.
Benefits and Limitations of a Descriptive Assessment
In the context of applied behavior analysis (ABA), descriptive assessment refers to the systematic observation and recording of an individual's behavior in order to better understand their strengths and weaknesses and to develop appropriate interventions and support (Oliver, Pratt, & Normand, 2015). There are benefits and limitations associated with descriptive assessments. In terms of benefits, descriptive assessments provide a clear and objective picture of the individual's behavior, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning (Fisher, Piazza, & Roane, 2021). The nature of descriptive assessment also allows for progress tracking over a period and can be effectively used to identify specific behaviors contributing to a problem so that targeted and effective interventions can be developed.
On the other hand, it is essential to note that descriptive assessment do not establish causality. That is, the assessments do not account for the underlying reasons for certain behaviors, such as physiological or emotional factors. Descriptive assessments may also be time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring trained observers to conduct systematic observations over an extended period. In the absence of a trained interviewer, there is high likelihood that observer's bias or subjectivity can lead to inaccurate or incomplete data. Thus, the application of descriptive assessment should be approached with caution.
The level of scientific rigor that will be exemplified in the current design is single subject design. The Single-Subject Design (SSD) is a research design commonly used in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to evaluate the effects of an intervention on an individual's behavior. This design is characterized by the repeated measurement of an individual's behavior before, during, and after the implementation of an intervention. In a SSD, behavior is measured in a systematic and controlled manner, typically through direct observation or by using a standardized instrument. The data collected is then graphed to visualize the change in behavior over time, allowing for the systematic examination of the effects of the intervention. One of the main benefits of the SSD is its ability to provide a detailed and individualized picture of behavior change, which can be particularly useful when working with individuals who have unique and complex behavior patterns. Additionally, SSDs can be used to evaluate the effects of an intervention in real-world settings, allowing for the examination of behavior change in a more naturalistic ...