Target Types Glossary (Catalyst)

Data can be collected on a target in a variety of ways. This is done by selecting a target type when a target is created. What follows are the available target types, a brief description, and a screenshot of the associated data collection screen that displays on the app.     

Click the tabs below to expand the information on each tab.

Anecdotal

This Target Type allows you to collect free-form narrative data.

View from App	View from Portal

Examples of when to choose this target type:	Examples of when NOT to choose this target type:
Social interactions with peers. Social skills groups to describe student behavior or behaviors of peers.	Teaching colors, SD: Present color + "What color?".

Conditional Discrimination

Conditional Discrimination Targets allow data to be recorded to a  set of stimuli compared against each other. Conditional Discrimination Targets can have 3-6 sub-Target stimuli and will require a prompt schedule to determine the desired Most to Least (MTL) prompt order.
The teaching trials prompt users to:

• Conduct Targets in a specific order.
• Use the controlling prompt in a MTL sequence with prompt fading.
• Place the stimulus array in a specific counterbalanced order.

An incorrect response will result in the Target prompting the user to increase the prompt level. The scoring allows users to evaluate whether there is a stimulus or positional bias.

View from App

Examples of when to choose this target type:
When teaching things such as colors, and common objects.

Discrete Trial Target (DTT)

DTT uses up to eight customizable prompt codes to measure a student’s response to a specific SD. If your target type is assigned as DTT, trials are performed in DTT sessions. Correct responses allow the user to move to the next target. Incorrect responses will lead to a correction trial representing the same target again. DTT targets also have the option to assign a prompt fading schedule to them that will indicate to the user what suggested prompt level should be used and will update according to the customizable promotion and demotion criteria that are entered by the user. To learn more about prompt fading schedules click here: Prompt Schedules Subtab - Student Level

NOTE: The Next Target (Type of Target selection mode) and the number of correction trials can be customized in the app or in the portal under Setup > Settings > DTT Settings.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
This is the most used target type. ​ Common examples are the receptive ID of colors, letters, etc. Not for social or NET teaching.

Duration

Duration Targets are used to record a time interval for a specific action. When creating a duration Target, users can specify a Target time period. Once the duration timer on the app reaches that goal, the timer begins to count upward and a notification will be displayed. Data are collected on the entire duration recorded and are graphed showing the average duration for the day, as well as the total duration.

View from App	View from Portal

Examples of when to choose this target type:
Reading, independent play, etc.

Echoic

Echoic targets are for recording data on measurements of prosody. Users can rate characteristics of speech targets, including Articulation, Volume, Speed, Tone, and Rhythm, for any specific echoic sound, word, or phrase. Users can rate student responses as a 0, .5, 1, or N/A across each of these dimensions. Users can also collect and store audio recordings of students' echoic responses. Sounds can be recorded on the device and synced to the portal.

View from App	View from Portal

Examples of when to choose this target type:
Articulation, Volume, Speed, Tone, and Rhythm, etc.

Fluency/Rate

Fluency/Rate targets allow users the ability to gather data that can be graphed as a rate. When creating a Fluency/Rate target, users will be asked to provide an amount of time that data should be gathered for the item. From the app, the user will start the target's timer, and tally responses to be captured within that interval.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Addition/Subtraction, Rotating Wh questions.

Frequency

A Frequency target is used to record the frequency or number of times a specific target occurs. These targets are visible on the bottom of the app during all data collection sessions and will tally each response throughout the day until midnight when the data collection intervals will be reset.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Mands (prompted or independent).​ Initiating conversation with peers.​ Complimenting peers.​ Requests hugs.

Grouped Frequencies

Grouped Frequencies group all users to compile a percentage for frequency targets (e.g., % prompted vs. % unprompted mands). Grouped Frequencies are graphed as the percentage of opportunities.

View from App	View from Portal

Examples of when to choose this target type:
Independent Mands vs.  Prompted Mands.

Jump-To Target

Jump-To targets are unique to Catalyst. This categorization is typically used for targets that should not automatically present during a DTT session, such as standing in line before recess, initiating peer conversation, or requesting to swing when on the playground. Jump-To targets allow users to access them at any time, during DTT sessions or otherwise.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Social skills that are more NET-based and opportunities are contrived or happen naturally.

Quantity

Quantity targets allow users to score numerical amounts for a target. From the app, users can select a numerical value to assign to an item. This can be used to denote measures such as distance, amount, or quiz/test scores.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Proximity Amount # of food items eaten

Task Analysis (TA)

Task Analysis (TA) targets are single targets comprised of several ordered behaviors or steps. Data can be collected on each individual step and is graphed as a percentage of total steps for the specific trial. Users can customize the TA setting so that each step is either a pass/fail item, or users can record the prompt level needed to elicit the correct response for each step.

NOTE: Users can navigate away from a TA at any point during the scoring process and return to see steps that have initially been scored.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
TA targets should only be used for complex multi-step skills

Toileting

Toileting targets are used when implementing a toilet-training program. Use this target to capture sit duration, type of void, accidents, and initiations in one place.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Only for toileting.

Whole/Partial Interval

Whole Interval

Whole Interval allows users to record target behaviors occurring throughout the duration of a user-specified interval. e.g., Whether a child is exhibiting the behavior for the entire interval.

Partial Interval

Partial Interval allows users to define an Observe and Record interval for a skill. A Partial Interval target measures whether a target occurred at any point during a specified time interval.

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Examples of when to choose this target type:
Circle time, high-frequency bx.​ Usually for short periods of 5-15 min, with 15-sec intervals.