The comparative effects of cumulative and unitary SAFMEDS terms in an introductory undergraduate behavior analysis course

ABSTRACT

Research in precision teaching (PT) and verbal behavior has implications for undergraduate instruction, but effects of PT for under-graduate coursework are not yet fully understood. The authors examined the differences between learning outcomes for Say All Fast Minute Every Day Shuffled (SAFMEDS) cards between cumulative decks where all terms were practiced (fall semester) and unitary decks where terms were split into 10 units with no more than 10 cards each (spring semester). Results showed that the rate of correct terms recited per minute increased over the course of both semesters, the rate of incorrect terms decreased, and the rate of skips remained variable. The changes in rate occurred more quickly throughout the spring semester and more students reached the frequency aims. Other factors examined included timing intervals, multiple checkouts, definition length, and retention. The results have implications for the use of PT, especially SAFMEDS, in college classrooms.

KEYWORDS:

• College teaching
• precision teaching
• SAFMEDS
• undergraduates

Statement regarding ethical issues

The studies have been approved by the appropriate institutional research ethics committee and have been performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Course syllabi are available by contacting the second author.

2. SAFMEDS cards can be obtained by contacting the second author.

3. Fall semester point summary: Lecture attendance and participation = 180 points, reading checks = 300 points, PT/SAFMEDS = 492 points, Problem Solving = 530 points, IDEA = 554 points. Total = 2056 points.

4. Spring semester point summary: Lecture attendance and participation = 120 points, reading checks = 275 points, PT/SAFMEDS = 330 points, Problem Solving = 300 points, IDEA = 410 points. Total = 1435 points.