503 Experimental Evaluation, Intervention, and Behavior Change Considerations - EDC-X756Y

Course Description

Credit Validation for Optimus Education Participants Only

This course covers the following certifications: QBA and IBA.

• QBA603 – The third course of six, 45-hour classes required for certification by the QABA®
• IBA703 – The third course of six, 45-hour classes required for certification by the IBAO®

In this course, students learn to select appropriate experimental designs for intervention evaluation, choose relevant measurement methods, display and analyze data, and determine intervention effectiveness. They will compare single-subject designs with group research approaches and identify the best evaluation methods based on behavior, setting, and intervention type. The course applies behavior analysis principles, including the Keller Method, online activities, frequent assessments, and feedback through “probes.”

Key Topic Areas:

• Data Collection & Measurement – Define operational definitions, reliability, validity, and measurable behavior; identify onset and offset of behaviors for accurate measurement
• Measurement Procedures – Explain frequency/event recording, duration, time sampling, interval recording, latency, and planned activity checks, along with their benefits and limitations
• Data Analysis & Graphing – Select and analyze different graph types (line, bar, cumulative, scatterplots, single-subject designs); assess trends, stability, and variability in data
• Inter-Observer Agreement (IOA) & Reliability – Define inter-rater reliability, threats to reliability, and IOA design types (e.g., trial-by-trial, total count); calculate IOA using different data sets
• Ensuring Accuracy in Data Analysis – Identify treatment drift, observer bias, and threats to reliability while maintaining consistency in experimental evaluation

Learner Outcomes

• Select appropriate experimental designs for evaluating interventions and determining their effectiveness
• Apply relevant measurement methods to collect, display, and analyze data for intervention assessment
• Explain the logic and benefits of single-subject designs compared to group research design approaches
• Determine the most suitable experimental evaluation method based on behavior, setting, and intervention type
• Analyze data trends, levels, stability, and variability to inform decision-making in behavior analysis

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Optimus Education Participants.

Course Materials:

• Text, Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron, William Heward available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Behavior Analysis for Lasting Change 4/E by G. Roy Mayer, Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, Michele Wallace available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

• Home Page: Optimus Ed - Rethinking Education
• Sign up to enroll: Experimental Evaluation, Intervention & Behavior Change Considerations

2. Complete all course work with Optimus Ed.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to pce-cv@sandiego.edu after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports Certificate : Register for All 6 Course & Add Certificate Fee For Certificate
• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More