Overview

In clinical practice, clients often have several behaviors that need to be targeted. As a BCaBA, we need to prioritize the behaviors so we are focusing on the ones that are most important and will have the greatest impact. The target behaviors we select for treatment must also be socially valid. Keeping in mind that your client is a mini research study. As such, we have to follow our scientific method for treating our clients’ target behaviors.

Scenarios

Select one of the scenarios below. Each scenario corresponds to one of the single-subject research methods commonly employed by behavior analysts. You will use that same scenario for the remainder of the assignments in this course.

Scenario 1 – Multiple Baseline Design

Suppose you have three preschool students who engage in disruptive behavior in the classroom. You want to evaluate the use of an antecedent intervention (moving their seats closer to the teacher) to decrease the disruptive behavior. Describe how you would use a multiple baseline across subjects design to evaluate the intervention in this scenario.

Scenario 2 – Withdrawal Design

Rowan walks out of his Math class every day when work is delivered to his desk. The teacher believes that he is exhibiting this behavior to escape academic tasks. How would you use a withdrawal design to determine if, in fact, Rowan is trying to escape the math tasks?

Scenario 3 – Alternative Treatments Design

Susan is trying to develop an exercise routine for herself. She wants to determine if she does better sticking to a routine if she participates regularly in a structured class, or if she exercises alone using equipment she has in the home, like workout videos, weight bench, bicycle, et cetera. How would you use an alternating treatments design to determine which type of exercise routine is most effective for Susan?

Scenario 4 – Changing Criterion Design

Marvin is drinking excessive amounts of caffeine. He has chosen to try to decrease his coffee consumption gradually from eight cups a day down to one cup. He has set a goal date of eight weeks from the start of the plan. How would Marvin use a changing criterion design to help track his progress as he attempts to decrease this caffeine consumption? Each day that Marvin meets his criteria, his partner allows him access to social media for one hour in the evening.

Instructions

Use the Selecting Socially Valid Target Behaviors Template [DOCX] to complete the assignment. You should include at least one scholarly or professional resource. Use the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Library Research Guide to find appropriate sources.

In your submission:

• Summarize the selected scenario.
• Identify a singular, active target behavior.
• Define the target behavior.
• Define independent and dependent variables.
• Identify the independent and dependent variables in the scenario.
• Define social validity.
• Describe the social validity of the target behavior.

Note: FirstPass, an AI-powered feedback tool, is available to use as you draft this assignment. The FirstPass tool for this assignment is available in the Weekly To Do List and includes directions on how to upload your draft to receive real-time feedback before you submit for a grade.

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Employ academic communication skills that are scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, in a manner consistent with members of the psychology profession. Use current APA guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
• APA formatting: Use current APA style and formatting, paying particular attention to citations and references. Use Academic Writer for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing Center for more APA resources specific to your degree level.
• Length: 2–3 pages, excluding the cover page and references list. Include page numbers, headings, and running heads. No abstract is required.
• References: A minimum of one scholarly or professional resource. Use the BS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Library Research Guide to find appropriate sources.
• 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 knowledge of research methods and designs used in applied behavior analysis.
  • Summarize the selected scenario.
  • Identify a singular, active target behavior.
  • Define the target behavior.
  • Define independent and dependent variables.
  • Identify the independent and dependent variables in the scenario.
  • Define social validity.
  • Describe the social validity of the target behavior.
• Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
• Write coherently to support a central idea, with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
• Successfully implement APA style.