ERIC Number: EJ1150737
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Sep
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-726X
EISSN: N/A
A Critical Review of Line Graphs in Behavior Analytic Journals
Kubina, Richard M., Jr.; Kostewicz, Douglas E.; Brennan, Kaitlyn M.; King, Seth A.
Educational Psychology Review, v29 n3 p583-598 Sep 2017
Visual displays such as graphs have played an instrumental role in psychology. One discipline relies almost exclusively on graphs in both applied and basic settings, behavior analysis. The most common graphic used in behavior analysis falls under the category of time series. The line graph represents the most frequently used display for visual analysis and subsequent interpretation and communication of experimental findings. Behavior analysis, like the rest of psychology, has opted to use non-standard line graphs. Therefore, the degree to which graphical quality occurs remains unknown. The current article surveys the "essential structure" and "quality features" of line graphs in behavioral journals. Four thousand three hundred and thirteen graphs from 11 journals served as the sample. Results of the survey indicate a high degree of deviation from standards of graph construction and proper labeling. A discussion of the problems associated with graphing errors, future directions for graphing in the field of behavior analysis, and the need for standards adopted for line graphs follows.
Descriptors: Graphs, Psychology, Visual Stimuli, Time, Periodicals, Surveys, Standards, Evaluation Methods, Error Patterns, Behavioral Science Research
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A