Table 1.
Matrix of dependent variable types
| Proximal | Distal | |
|---|---|---|
| Context bound | Variables that are directly taught by the intervention and are only experimentally measured within the intervention or similar context. Example: Responding to joint attention measured within an intervention that targets responding to joint attention. | Variables that are not directly taught by the intervention and are only measured within the intervention or similar context. Example: Initiating joint attention for declaratives measured within an intervention session that targets responding to joint attention. |
| Generalized | Variables that are directly taught by the intervention and are measured in a context other than the intervention context. Example: Responding to joint attention measured in a parent–child session after a researcher-led intervention that targets responding to joint attention. | Social communication that is not directly taught by the intervention and is measured in a context other than the intervention context. Example: Initiating joint attention for declaratives measured in a parent–child session using materials not used in treatment after a researcher-led intervention that targets responding to joint attention. |