Analysis of the Fleece et al. (1981) Study: Dependent and Independent Variables, Research Design, and Generalization Setting

QUESTION

In the Fleece and colleagues (1981) study titled, ” Elevation of Voice Volume in Young Developmentally Delayed Children via an Operant Shaping Procedure,” What was the dependent variable? What was the independent variable? What was the research design? What was the generalization setting?

ANSWER

Analysis of the Fleece et al. (1981) Study: Dependent and Independent Variables, Research Design, and Generalization Setting

Introduction

The study conducted by Fleece and colleagues in 1981, titled “Elevation of Voice Volume in Young Developmentally Delayed Children via an Operant Shaping Procedure,” explored the effectiveness of an operant shaping procedure in increasing the voice volume of young children with developmental delays. In this analysis, we will identify the dependent and independent variables, describe the research design employed, and discuss the generalization setting of the study.

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable in the Fleece et al. (1981) study was the “voice volume” of the young developmentally delayed children. Specifically, the researchers measured and recorded the loudness or intensity of the children’s vocalizations as the primary outcome of interest. The study aimed to determine whether the operant shaping procedure had a significant effect on increasing the voice volume of these children.

Independent Variable

The independent variable in the study was the “operant shaping procedure.” This procedure represented the intervention implemented by the researchers to modify and shape the children’s behavior, specifically targeting the enhancement of their voice volume. The independent variable included the systematic reinforcement and shaping techniques used to encourage louder vocalizations in the participants.

Research Design

The research design employed in the Fleece et al. (1981) study can be characterized as an “experimental design.” The researchers sought to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent variable (operant shaping procedure) and the dependent variable (voice volume). To do so, they introduced the independent variable in a controlled and systematic manner while measuring the resulting changes in the dependent variable.

The study likely used a pre-test/post-test design, with baseline measurements of the children’s voice volume recorded before the operant shaping procedure was introduced. Following this, the operant shaping procedure was applied, and post-intervention measurements were taken to assess any changes in voice volume. Comparing the pre- and post-intervention data allowed the researchers to determine the effectiveness of the operant shaping procedure.

Generalization Setting

The generalization setting in this study would refer to the context or environment where the researchers aimed to observe the effects of the operant shaping procedure on voice volume. In the Fleece et al. (1981) study, the generalization setting likely encompassed the natural or everyday environments in which the children typically communicated. This setting is essential because the study aimed to assess whether the increased voice volume observed during the intervention generalized to real-world communication situations.

In summary, the Fleece et al. (1981) study investigated the impact of an operant shaping procedure on the voice volume of young children with developmental delays. The dependent variable was the voice volume of the children, the independent variable was the operant shaping procedure, and the research design employed was experimental. The generalization setting encompassed the natural communication environments where the effects of the intervention were expected to be observed beyond the controlled experimental context.