Some graphing programs provide additional functionality that makes graphing easier however, those programs may be expensive and less widely available (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Sigma Plot). For example, searching “add phase lines” in Microsoft Excel provides no results applicable to adding phase lines to a graph. Second, the user may find it difficult to locate assistance in the help functions of these software packages because they are rarely designed explicitly for the behavior analyst's needs. First, it can be difficult to find tools or features within graphing and spreadsheet programs that create common components of behavior-analytic graphs (e.g., a button for adding phase lines). Reviewing graphs from previous treatments may help inform the direction for future behavioral intervention.Barriers to Graphing DataĪlthough well-designed graphs can be useful tools for the behavior-analytic clinician, the skills required to create the graphs may be difficult to master for a number of reasons.

This history can be referenced should problems previously treated recur or skills relapse. Graphs created by behavior analysts represent a behavioral history for an individual. Third, the files created by most graphing programs can be saved and stored for future reference.

Graphic results of treatment can be easily shared by transferring the graphs to presentation software, uploading them to websites, or attaching them to emails. Second, graphs provide a way to communicate treatment progress with interested parties such as parents, principals, or multidisciplinary team members. First, graphs allow the clinician to make immediate decisions regarding treatment effectiveness ( Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). Graphic data display is important to behavior analysts for several reasons.

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