Uploaded by Lillian Rainwater

Article Analysis #2

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MRainwater
Purpose and Question
This study is a meta-analytic review with a quantitative design. “The purpose of this
study is to systematically evaluate existing research on the effectiveness of thinning schedules of
reinforcement following Functional Communication Training (FCT) for children with
intellectual and developmental disabilities” (Muharib, Alrasheed, Ninci, Walker, & Voggt, 2019).
This meta-analysis seeks to determine the extent to which thinning schedules following FCT
contribute to reducing problem behavior and promoting communication skills among children
with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By gathering the findings from multiple studies,
the researchers aim to provide comprehensive assessment of the intervention’s effectiveness.
This study also aims to identify effective strategies for implementing thinning schedules
within the context of FCT, and to explore the maintenance and generalization of intervention
effects over time and across settings. The study also aims to inform evidence-based practice in
the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and to advance understanding of the
effectiveness of thinning schedules following FCT for children with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and to provide actionable insights for improving intervention
practices.
The Research question is “What is the effectiveness of thinning schedules of
reinforcement following Functional Communication Training (FCT) for children with
intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in reducing problem behavior and promoting
communication skills (Muharib, Alrasheed, Ninci, Walker, & Voggt, 2019)?"
Methodology
The methodology of this meta-analytic review followed a structured process to
systematically identify, select, and analyze relevant studies. The researchers began by
MRainwater
formulating a clear research question to guide their meta-analysis. Then an organized literature
search was conducted to identify relevant studies, searching electronic databases using specific
search terms related to FCT, thinning schedules, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and
other such concepts. There would have been criteria established to ensure that only relevant
studies were included in the meta-analysis. Screening and selection processes would follow and
then relevant data to the research question and outcomes of interest would have been identified
to be included in the studies. After thorough analysis, the results were interpreted and published.
Variables
The independent variable is the implementation of “thinning schedules of reinforcement
following Functional Communication Training (FCT) for children with intellectual and
developmental disabilities” (Muharib, Alrasheed, Ninci, Walker, & Voggt, 2019). Thinning
schedules refer to steadily reducing the rate or magnitude of reinforcement provided contingent
upon the demonstration of target behaviors. The dependent variables in this study include
measures related to the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing problem behavior and
promoting communication skills among intellectually and developmentally disabled children.
Results
I was unable to identify specific results of the meta-analysis, but I will identify general types of
results typically reported in a meta-analysis of this type. Meta-analysis often calculates effect
sizes to quantify the magnitude of the intervention’s impact, provide an overall assessment of the
effectiveness of thinning schedules following FCT in achieving the desired outcomes, conduct
subgroup analysis, perform sensitivity analysis, evaluate the presence of publication bias, draw
conclusions and discuss implications.
Conclusion
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“After reviewing and meta-analyzing 28 intervention studies that involved a thinning schedule
procedure following FCT for children with IDD ages 8 and younger, the findings of the study
suggest that thinning procedures were most effective in children with stronger communication
skills. The findings seem promising and provide preliminary guidance for practitioner
implementations of thing schedules following FCT” (Muharib, Alrasheed, Ninci, Walker, &
Voggt, 2019).
Reference
Muharib, R., Alrasheed, F., Ninci, J., Walker, V. L., & Voggt, A. P. (2019, August 27). Thinning
schedules of reinforcement following functional communication training for children
with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a meta-analytic review. Journal of
Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 4788-4806.
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