Correction to "On the Use and Benefits of Electronic Data Collection Systems: A Tutorial on Countee"
Introduction
In academic research, precision in citations is crucial. A recent correction notice published in Behavior Analysis in Practice (2024) 17:1283 addresses an error in the citation of the mobile application Countee in the original article by Crystal M. Slanzi & Jonathan K. Fernand. Their study, titled On the Use and Benefits of Electronic Data Collection Systems: A Tutorial on Countee, explores the role of digital tools in behavior analysis.
While the core findings of the article remain unchanged, ensuring proper attribution in academic work is essential for maintaining credibility and allowing other researchers to locate key resources. This blog post will outline the nature of the correction, its significance, and the broader implications for behavior analysts using electronic data collection tools.
Summary of the Correction
The correction addressed an error in the citation of Countee, a mobile application for behavioral data collection. Below is a comparison of the original and the corrected reference:
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Incorrect citation:
- Digital Taco, v. D. P.-G. (2020). Countee (Vers. 2.2.1).
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Corrected citation:
- Peic-Gavran, D., & Hernández Eslava, V. (2020). Countee (Version 2.2.1) [Mobile app]. App Store.
Along with updating the reference, the article itself was revised to reflect the correct attribution. While this may seem like a minor change, proper citations ensure that credit is given to the correct developers and researchers.
Why This Correction Matters
Incorrect citations can have a range of consequences in academic research. Here’s why this correction is important:
- Ensuring Proper Attribution – Citing the correct developers acknowledges their contributions and intellectual property.
- Academic Integrity – Maintaining citation accuracy upholds scholarly integrity and prevents misattribution.
- Locating Referenced Tools Easily – Proper references allow other researchers to locate and evaluate the cited technology.
- Impact on Future Research – Misattributions can lead to incorrect citations in future research, compounding errors over time.
Behavior analysis increasingly leverages digital tools for data collection, making it more important than ever to cite these tools correctly.
The Role of Electronic Data Collection in Behavior Analysis
Electronic data collection has revolutionized how behavior analysts track and analyze data. Tools like Countee provide several key advantages:
Key Benefits of Digital Data Collection
- Improved Accuracy – Digital tools reduce human errors associated with traditional paper-based data collection.
- Real-Time Tracking – Analysts can log observations immediately, increasing reliability.
- Better Organization & Retrieval – Data is automatically structured, making historical analysis easier.
- Increased Accessibility – Cloud-based platforms allow professionals to access data from different devices.
- Automated Analysis – Some apps offer built-in analytics, reducing the time spent on manual calculations.
- Collaboration & Synchronization – Multiple team members can contribute to a shared dataset.
- Secure Data Storage – Digital records reduce the risk of lost or damaged paperwork.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Over time, digital tools can save money compared to purchasing and maintaining paper-based records.
- Integration with Other Tools – Many digital solutions integrate with other behavioral analysis platforms.
- Scalability – Digital data collection adapts easily to small or large-scale research projects.
Given these advantages, the accuracy of citations in research on digital tools is especially important, ensuring that practitioners can locate and evaluate the best applications for their needs.
Insights for Behavior Analysts and Researchers
To maintain high academic standards, behavior analysts and researchers should follow best practices when referencing digital tools:
- Verify Citation Details – Ensure all references to software, mobile apps, or digital tools are accurate and complete before publication.
- Follow Proper Citation Formats – Digital resources, including mobile apps, must be cited according to appropriate style guides (e.g., APA, MLA).
- Monitor Corrections & Retractions – Stay informed about corrections in published works to ensure continued accuracy in future citations.
By adhering to these practices, behavior analysts can improve the reliability of their research and ensure accurate information dissemination.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
While this correction to Slanzi and Fernand’s article is a minor adjustment, it highlights the importance of proper citation in academic work. Ensuring that references are accurate:
- Supports academic integrity by crediting contributors correctly.
- Prevents citation errors from propagating in future research.
- Helps locate digital tools more easily for professionals in the field.
As digital tools continue to shape behavior analysis, maintaining accurate citations will remain a critical part of research integrity.
For those interested in reading the corrected article, you can access it here:
📖 Correction Notice DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01019-8
📖 Original Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00964-8
By staying informed and verifying sources, behavior analysts can ensure their research remains accurate, credible, and impactful.
