Using e‐learning modules to teach ongoing‐visual inspection of functional analyses
A half-hour online class teaches RBTs to stop an FA as soon as the data speak, saving time and sessions.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Six RBTs took a 30-minute online course. The course taught them when to stop a functional analysis early.
Each RBT then watched real FA graphs. They had to say "clear" or "keep going." The trainer gave feedback until each tech hit 90 % correct across three runs.
What they found
Five techs reached mastery after the e-lesson alone. The sixth needed two extra practice rounds.
All six could spot a clear test or control line in under five minutes. Sessions that used to run 20 minutes now ended at 10 when the tech called it.
How this fits with other research
Perez et al. (2015) asked if online feedback beats in-vivo feedback. They saw no big gap. Retzlaff adds pure e-learning works even without a live coach.
Howard (2019) warned that most free ABA lessons are not written by behavior analysts. Retzlaff’s module fills that hole. It is behaviorist-made and open.
Rehfeldt et al. (2016) built a big MOOC for grad students. Retzlaff shrinks the idea: one micro-skill, one click, same low cost.
Why it matters
You can plug this module into your next RBT rotation. Thirty minutes on a phone can save hours of wasted FA sessions. Clear data sooner means faster treatment and happier clients.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Email the free module link to every RBT and add a five-minute graph quiz to your next supervision meeting.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
Despite the effectiveness of function-based treatments, most clinicians do not conduct functional analyses (FA). The time required to conduct an FA is a major barrier preventing their use. One way to increase FA efficiency is to discontinue the analysis as soon as it has produced clear results. Saini et al. (2018) evaluated a structured procedure for ongoing-visual inspection of FAs and found that it produced accurate interpretations while averaging 40% fewer sessions than author interpretation. This study evaluated the efficacy of an e-learning module for training registered behavior technicians (RBTs) to implement ongoing visual inspection of FAs. Following training, 5 of the 6 participants showed mastery of ongoing visual inspection, and the final participant did so with the addition of supplemental procedures. We discuss how this training may increase the efficiency of FAs by teaching individuals who are less experienced in FA methodology when to seek supervision from a supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2020 · doi:10.1002/jaba.719