Part 1: PM Observation plan and analysis
The purpose of this assignment is for you to develop an observation plan for a target behavior. For this assignment, you are required to identify a behavior that could benefit from behavior change (the behavior could either be increased or decreased). The selected behavior can be a behavior that can be observed within your workplace or a behavior that can be observed in a public workplace (e.g., observing customers being greeted at a coffeeshop).
In this assignment, you will describe and define your target behavior/pinpoint, design your data collection process and develop a data sheet for observing and recording the occurrence of the target behavior, and conduct a PIC/NIC analysis using hypothetical data (make hypothetical assumptions based on common sense and observations).
**NOTE: Data collection will start during Part 2 of the Observation Project. Data should not be collected during Part 1**
Complete each of the following:
IDENTIFY AND DEFINE TARGET BEHAVIOR/ PINPOINT
1. Identify target behavior to be observed
2. Describe your pinpoint and provide an operational definition for your target behavior.
Note: Remember behaviors should be observable, measurable, and reliable. Behaviors should pass the dead man’s test. Avoid using vague labels (e.g., teamwork). It can be helpful to observe someone engaging in the behavior to help refine your definition.
Example of operational definition for nail biting: Onset of a nail-biting episode was defined as the placement of my fingers at or past the plane of my lips and offset was defined as removal of my fingers from the plane of my lips for a period of longer than 3 s.
3. Identify the category of the performer(s) who will be observed (e.g., self, coworker, employee, customer/consumer, public, etc.).
DATA COLLECTION PROCESS
4. Describe the setting of the observation project where you will observe the target behavior. Note: you do not need to tell me the business name, but a general description (e.g., movie theater)
5. Outline the type of data that will be collected (e.g., frequency, duration, rate, latency, etc.)
6. Outline how long your observations/sessions will be.
Note: Observation/sessions should be the same duration each observation (e.g., every observation is 20 minutes long).The length of your observation will depend on your selected target behavior. If the behavior only occurs once a day (e.g., arriving to work late) this will be a be a 24-hour period. If your behavior could occur multiple times, observations should be broken up into smaller intervals (10-30 minute intervals for sessions is best).
7. Outline how often you will conduct the observation–minimum of 1x/week. However, more observations are encouraged to complete this project in a timely fashion.
Note: Depending on the target behavior, multiple observations can happen in one day. For example, you might observe the behavior in the AM and PM.
8. Create and submit a data sheet that you will use to collect data.
Note: Examples of datasheets will be provided under Data Sheet Examples. Your data sheet can be submitted as a separate document or combined as a single file for your assignment submission.
PICNIC ANALYSIS
9. Complete and submit PICNIC analyses for your target behavior (behavior you will measure and would like to change) and the alternative desirable behavior (e.g., 1 PICNIC analysis for completing customer transaction without upselling and 1 PICNIC analysis for completing a customer transaction with upselling).
10. Summarize the results of your PICNIC analysis.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Select a target behavior/ pinpoint that you can easily observe multiple times per week.
- You can choose to pinpoint a personal behavior (e.g., arriving to work on time) or of another person or group of people (e.g., team behavior during a zoom meeting).
- Keep it simple! The goal is to practice the skills that you are learning in the course. It does not have to be a behavior to completely revamp the workplace environment.
How to Write PM Observation Plan and Analysis – Part 1
Introduction
Begin with an expanded introduction explaining the purpose of behavioral observation in performance management and behavior analysis. Explain that observation allows researchers and practitioners to identify measurable behaviors and evaluate factors that influence behavior change. Introduce the selected target behavior and explain whether the goal is to increase or decrease the behavior. Mention that the assignment will include target behavior identification, data collection planning, and a PICNIC analysis using hypothetical assumptions.
Section 1: Identify and Define Target Behavior / Pinpoint
Target Behavior to Be Observed
Clearly identify the specific behavior selected for observation.
Example:
Employees greeting customers within five seconds of customer entry into a retail environment.
Pinpoint and Operational Definition
Provide a precise and observable definition that passes the dead man’s test and can be measured consistently.
Example:
The onset of greeting behavior is defined as an employee verbally acknowledging a customer entering the store using a greeting phrase such as “Hello,” “Welcome,” or “How can I help you?” within five seconds of customer entry. The offset is defined as completion of the greeting statement and initial customer acknowledgment.
Expand with a short explanation describing why the behavior was selected and how it could improve workplace outcomes.
Category of Performer
State the population being observed.
Examples:
Employee
Coworker
Self
Customer
Public behavior
Consumer
Section 2: Data Collection Process
Observation Setting
Describe the environment generally without naming the organization.
Example:
The observation setting is a retail clothing store where employees interact directly with customers throughout business hours.
Type of Data Collected
Identify the measurement method.
Examples may include:
Frequency
Number of times behavior occurs
Duration
Length of behavior occurrence
Rate
Frequency within a specified period
Latency
Time between instruction or trigger and behavior occurrence
Explain why this measurement type is appropriate for the selected behavior.
Observation Session Length
Specify the exact observation period.
Example:
Each observation session will last 20 minutes.
Explain why the chosen duration allows sufficient opportunity for observing the behavior.
Observation Frequency
Specify how often observations occur.
Example:
Observations will occur three times per week, including morning and afternoon sessions.
Explain how observation frequency supports reliable data collection.
Section 3: Data Collection Sheet
Create a table that can later be copied into Word.
Behavior Observation Data Sheet
| Date | Session Time | Observation Length | Number of Behavior Occurrences | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
If collecting duration or latency data, modify columns accordingly.
Example:
| Date | Session Time | Observation Length | Latency Time | Notes |
|---|
Section 4: PICNIC Analysis for Target Behavior
Create one PICNIC analysis for the current target behavior and one for the desired replacement behavior.
PICNIC Analysis for Current Behavior
Positive Immediate Certain
State immediate positive outcomes following behavior.
Positive Future Uncertain
State delayed possible benefits.
Negative Immediate Certain
State immediate negative outcomes.
Negative Future Uncertain
State possible long-term negative outcomes.
PICNIC Analysis for Desired Alternative Behavior
Positive Immediate Certain
State immediate rewards for the preferred behavior.
Positive Future Uncertain
State potential long-term benefits.
Negative Immediate Certain
State immediate costs or effort involved.
Negative Future Uncertain
State potential future disadvantages if applicable.
Section 5: PICNIC Analysis Summary
Write an expanded paragraph summarizing findings from the PICNIC analyses. Explain how immediate consequences often maintain current behaviors while delayed outcomes influence long-term change. Discuss how understanding these behavioral consequences can guide intervention strategies and increase the likelihood of behavior modification.
Conclusion
Conclude by summarizing the importance of developing a structured behavior observation plan and conducting a PICNIC analysis before beginning data collection. Emphasize how clearly defined behaviors, reliable measurements, and understanding behavioral consequences contribute to effective performance improvement and behavior change initiatives.
References
Include course textbook and any required ABA or performance management sources in APA alphabetical format.
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