Socially Significant Behavior
Overview
In the Week 3, you evaluated two behavior analytic theories that have led to the development of basic principles. In this assignment, you will be tasked with researching the applied literature regarding the interventions that are based on those principles and theories to change a behavior. This behavior, specifically, must be a behavior to increase (e.g., consuming vegetables, increasing exercise) and cannot be a challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, elopement). Instead of writing a formal paper, you are going to create an eye catching and creative pamphlet (that you might place in the lobby of an office) that outlines the current research, the ethics of common intervention strategies, and how a clinician will compassionately implement them in practice.
Instructions
Choose a behavior to increase and research the current applied literature that uses interventions based on the basic theories and principles that you discussed during your Week 3 assignment. If you are unsure if your behavior is appropriate to use, please reach out to the instructor for additional assistance. Using Canva (Canva.com), create a free account and use a brochure template of your choosing to create your assignment. There are multiple free templates to use. You can also create your own using other software options if you would prefer. The brochure should discuss a behavior to increase, a way it can be operationally defined, and the current literature that uses intervention strategies based on the theories you discussed in your Week 3 assignment. Make sure to include the following components:
- Include an engaging title that will capture the interest of your reader.
- Provide a brief overview of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and how it relates to radical behaviorism. Include the seven dimensions as outlined by Baer et al. (1968).
- Discuss the importance of data collection, dimensional measurement, and the use of basic principles to create technologies to change behavior.
- Identify the socially relevant behavior of interest and define it using a topographical or functional definition. Include a proposed measurement system that describes the relevant dimension(s) of measurement.
- Provide a succinct discussion of the current applied literature that uses technologies informed by the theories you discussed in Week 3. These articles should be, at a maximum, no older than seven years.
- Discuss any gaps you found in the literature and include areas for future research as discussed by the researchers in the literature you reviewed.
- Discuss the ethical considerations of the intervention strategies, making reference to the Belmont Report and the BACB ethical code of conduct.
- Complete your brochure with a compassion mission statement outlining how you, as a clinician, will be using these strategies to promote ethical and compassionate service delivery. Make sure to cite the Capella Compassion Code.
Note: Design the brochure with visually appealing elements: images, icons, infographics, etc. Remember this is not a paper, so your sentences need to be complete and professional, but concise. The language you choose needs to be technical and valid, but also approachable and client friendly. This is an opportunity to practice how to balance your professional writing. Do not hesitate to reach out to the instructor or the assistant instructor(s) for additional support.
Reference
- Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(1), 91–97.
Additional Requirements
- Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current edition APA style and formatting guidelines. Refer to Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for citing and referencing tips.
- References: At least five scholarly resources.
Refer to the rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Evaluate research in the experimental analysis of behavior.
- Evaluate the relevant applied literature using technologies informed by the theories from the week three presentation.
- Analyze current gaps in the literature.
- Competency 2: Distinguish features of experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) research from applied behavior analysis (ABA) research and identify features of translational research that bridge both types.
- Describe the field of applied behavior analysis as it relates to radical behaviorism.
- Define a socially relevant behavior, including a description of one way in which to measure it.
- Competency 4: Evaluate the core ethical requirements of behavior analytic research.
- Evaluate the ethical guidelines of human research using the Belmont Report, BACB code of conduct, and the Capella Compassion Code.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines and strikes a balance between technical jargon and consumer friendly language.
- Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.