Running Head: BEHAVIOR CONTRACT
Operational Definition
The purpose of this study is to increase water intake. This study will work on increasing the water intake by drinking one gallon of water per day for three weeks. The operational definition of the behavior is engaging in swallowing water to equal the amount of one gallon by the end of the day. The water consumption will be tracked for that day starting upon waking up until 11:59 pm of that day. This study will take place over three weeks. A week is defined as seven days starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday. A successful week of drinking water would be drinking a gallon of water every day Sunday through Saturday for three weeks. Water can have flavor additives such as Crystal Light. Water used in coffee or cooking meals will not count towards the water consumption for the day.
Identification of Measurement System The measurement system that will be used in this study is an interval record measuring system. The log will have all days of the week (Sunday- Saturday) written and the day will be colored green if the participant drinks a gallon of water that day. The day will be colored in red if
the participant did not reach the water consumption goal of a gallon. The participant will have to start a new log every week. A total of three week’s worth of data/ logs will be collected by the end of the study. The participants fiancé whom lives with the participant is identified as a supporter throughout this study. This supporter will have access to the participants water log and will encourage the participant to engage in consumption of water throughout her day. In addition, the supporter will ensure that all information in the weekly log is accurate. Criterion
