Measuring Change in Private Events: A Review of Precision Teaching Interventions for Inner Behavior
Abstract The current literature review examined empirical precision teaching studies that applied frequency-based measurement and standard celeration chart (SCC) displays and analysis to interventions targeting inner behavior, defined as private events such as thoughts, feelings, and urges. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, with targets ranging from negative and positive thoughts and self-critical statements to anger, self-esteem, and loving feelings. Across studies, results demonstrated that inner behaviors can be reliably measured and meaningfully changed. Participants in nearly all studies exhibited functional changes in level, trend, or variability, providing strong support for the effectiveness of frequency building procedures in modifying covert behaviors. The findings indicate that inner behavior is accessible to direct measurement and can be modified through well-designed instructional and self-monitoring practices. However, gaps remain in reporting, training procedures, and social validity data. The current review concludes that precision teaching methods such as measuring with frequency or rate, using frequency building (i.e., the 1-min counting procedure), and displaying data on SCCs provide a useful, underutilized framework for understanding and influencing private events.
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