Enhanced Written Instructions for Creating Publication-Quality Single-Case Design Graphs in Microsoft Excel

Abstract

Graphs are visual descriptors of functional relations between behavior and the environment, and behavioral researchers and clinicians make informed decisions on current and future procedures by evaluating such functional relations. Thus, graphically depicting and visually inspecting single-subject data is foundational in the science of behavior. Microsoft Excel is the most prevalent program used by behavior analysts to create single-case design graphs; however, the Excel literature mostly includes brief tutorials and descriptions of its utility, neither of which evaluate methods of training Excel’s comprehensive capabilities. Self-directed training with enhanced written instructions (EWI) is a viable option to train graphing skills as it alleviates the amount of resources required by in-person trainings. However, published evaluations of EWI as a method to train graphing are limited in quantity, rely on permanent product measures, and exclude assessments of maintenance and generalization. We used a multiple baseline across participants design to evaluate the effects of EWI to train seven undergraduate students to create publication-quality single-subject design graphs in Excel. We measured graphing accuracy and latency to graph completion using real-time, live-Excel, and permanent product measures. We also assessed response maintenance and generalization. EWI resulted in immediate, robust effects, and we observed generalization and maintenance across all participants. We discuss these results and their implications regarding staff training, Excel’s utility, and data measurement.