This will be a contiuned assignment over several weeks. Several parts of a total project.
*** My chosen behavior is Mouthing***
Posted as my discussion post stating what my topic will be,
My topic of interest is mouthing. The operational definition of mouthing would be putting inedible items in the mouth and consuming them. This includes eating play dough, eating things off the floor, and taking random toys and putting them in the mouth. A non-example of mouthing would be chewing on a sensory chewy. Children’s putting objects in their mouths can be incredibly dangerous. They often have a tendency to place things that may be unhygienic or harmful in some way in their mouths. This could include objects that are sharp, which could potentially lead to internal injuries. According to an article by Masiran (2018), children who bite, chew, or suck on non-edible objects may have hyposensitivity to oral stimulation. Therefore, they often require continuous oral stimulation and need to have something in their mouth at all times. So, parents and caregivers should be aware of the child’s behavior and seek medical advice if they suspect a sensory processing disorder.
Overview
Before researching a behavior, it is important to first identify and define it. All experiments must have a behavior (dependent variable), at least one participant, and a setting where they take place. For this assignment, you will start writing the Introduction and the Methods section of your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Consider an area of research that interests you. Then, select a specific behavior, population, and setting for your hypothetical study.
Instructions
Complete the following sections of your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Use the Hypothetical Behavior Analytic Study Template [DOCX] to complete this assignment. For each assignment you will add new sections.
Introduction
Select and operationally define a dependent variable (behavior) for your hypothetical behavior analytic study. Your operational definition should be brief (1–2 sentences), objective, clear, and complete.
Objective refers to unambiguous description of the behavior; void of mentalistic words. An operational definition that meets the objective criteria is one that is observable and measurable.
Clear refers to what a person says or does; the topography is clearly defined in such a manner that two observers will have a high agreement when the behavior is observed.
Complete refers to the boundaries of what is included and excluded. To discriminate the boundaries of the operational definition, include examples and nonexamples with minimal differences.
For more information about writing an operational definition, review the following information in your Applied Behavior Analysis text.
Hawkins and Dobes’s three characteristics (top of page 70).
Morris’s three criteria for testing a definition (page 70).
Discuss the social significance of the behavior and why your research should address it.
In your discussion, cite behavior analytic journal articles to support your conclusion or explain why this behavior is socially significant to this group of individuals.
If you need help using the Capella library, review the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research GuideLinks to an external site..
Methods: Participants and Setting
Identify the participants that were targeted in the hypothetical study (diagnosis, age, other important information) and the setting where the study took place. This will be the start of the methods section (participants and setting).
Additional Requirements
Your assignment should meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for more information on how to cite your sources.
Resources: A sufficient number of scholarly or professional resources.
Length: 2–3 double-spaced pages, not including the title page or reference page.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment , you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
Competency 1: Apply techniques of behavioral measurement and data display.
Select and operationally define an appropriate behavior for a hypothetical behavior analytic study.
Explain the social significance of the behavior chosen.
Describe the participants and setting used in the hypothetical study.
Competency 4: 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.
Demonstrate compliance with current APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.
