|
Using Excel Spreadsheets and Graphs for Visual Display of Individual Behavior and Academic Performances in Applied Settings |
Friday, May 26, 2006 |
6:00 PM–9:00 PM |
Inman |
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Research |
CE Instructor: Bryan J. Davey, Ph.D. |
BRYAN J. DAVEY (Southern Behavioral Group, Inc.), DONALD M. STENHOFF (University of Kentucky) |
Description: Visual display of data in single-subject research is imperative when communicating quantitative relationships and behavior patterns to consumers and fellow practitioners. Excel is an application which allows practitioners and consumers to create spreadsheets and graphical displays. Excel graphs convey effect across various single-subject designs (e.g., multiple-baseline, alternating treatment, reversal, cumulative record). These designs allow practitioners to display assessment (i.e., functional analyses, structural analyses) and intervention (i.e., various forms of differential reinforcement, discrete trial programs) outcomes. While Excel can be difficult to navigate and master, this workshop will provide participants with hands on training promoting effective use. Workshop mini lessons include how to setup spreadsheets and input data sets, chart wizard navigation, graph construction including all data or select data sets within a spreadsheet, manipulation of graph components (e.g., axes, data labels, phase change lines, raised zero), and updating data sets and graphs when data are available. Instructors will provide several models, followed by opportunities for participants to practice skills with timely feedback. Throughout the workshop instructors will explain and demonstrate the subtle nuances of Excel. These tips allow for easier Excel navigation and enhance graphical presentations. Additionally, workshop instructors will provide an Excel CD tutorial that will continue to guide participants in future Excel projects. Participants are required to bring a laptop with the Excel application and strongly encouraged to bring their own data sets to graph during the workshop. |
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this workshop participants will be able to: 1. Setup measurement specific spreadsheets, input data sets, and manipulate data sets within an Excel spreadsheet 2. Create graphs for alternating treatment, reversal, multiple-baseline designs, and cumulative records 3. Use the chart wizard, construct graphs of all data or select data sets within a spreadsheet, and update databases and graphs as data collection continues 4. Manipulate graph components (e.g., axes, gridlines, backgrounds, data points, data paths, secondary axis), and use drawing tools to insert additional components (e.g., arrows, data labels, phase change lines, text boxes) |
Activities: Participants will be provided concise instruction and several models with instructor support to ensure skill acquisition. Finally, participants will complete a comprehensive case example which provides opportunities for participants to solve challenges inherent in the Excel application. The comprehensive case example will consolidate and increase fluency of the skills taught during the instructional phase of the workshop. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to bring questions with regard to previous Excel experiences. |
Audience: Practitioners, students, researchers, educational service providers, and others interested in visual display of data in single-subject research and program progress. |
Content Area: Practice |
Instruction Level: Basic |