In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, host Matt Harrington delves into the research study 'Evaluations of heart rate during functional analyses of destructive behavior' by McCabe and Greer, published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2023. The study aimed to explore whether heart rate could serve as a predictive signal for upcoming destructive behavior, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of functional analyses.

Despite the excitement around the potential of integrating heart rate monitors into functional analysis procedures, the study concluded with a null effect, finding no discernible pattern that would allow heart rate to predict destructive behavior. However, Harrington emphasizes the significance of this research in sparking discussions on the potential implications of successful heart rate monitoring and its role in advancing the field of applied behavior analysis.

The episode also touches on the broader concepts of covert and overt behaviors, the importance of caregiver interviews in identifying behavioral precursors, and the future possibilities of utilizing advanced technology to uncover such covert precursors. Harrington concludes by encouraging further research and dialogue within the community, highlighting the episode's relevance to clinicians and researchers interested in behavior analysis and the innovative use of technology in the field.

Show notes, links to article, and transcript are available at https://www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog