Developments and the Future of Applied Behavior Analysis

Essay Instructions:

Assignment Directions - For Psychology PS558 Developments and the Future of Applied Behavior Analysis Through the second half of this course, you have had the opportunity to trace the development of applied behavior analysis from the latter part of the twentieth century to the present. This assignment will offer you the opportunity to examine those developments and how applied behavior analysis continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its foundations in science and the philosophy of behaviorism. For this assignment, you will provide a long-answer essay response to each of the questions below. For each question, you are encouraged to use the peer-reviewed resources provided throughout the units to support your responses. Please do not copy and paste the whole question into the document. Rather, use APA format section headings to organize your paper, with separate sections for each question. Use the rubric and the assignment prompts as guides to be sure you address all topics. Please respond to the following: • Begin the assignment by reading the Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations. (Leaf, et al. 2022) article, which describes some recent critical perspectives and misconceptions on the use of ABA to treat individuals with autism and other disabilities: Then, use the knowledge that you have gained from this course to make two arguments. o In your first argument, explain the usefulness, benefits, and social validity of ABA as an approach to treatment and behavioral development. Be sure to consider the importance of an evidence-based and data-driven approach and the right to effective treatment as described in "The Right to Effective Behavioral Treatment” (Van Houten et al., 1988). o In your second argument, respond to some of the concerns addressed in this article. o What are some possible unwanted effects that may be associated with practice of ABA, particularly in its earliest historical use? What are some ways the authors suggest these concerns can be addressed? o Finally, after considering both arguments, present a supported conclusion on the appropriateness of applied behavior analysis as a socially valid treatment approach to improve quality of life, based on your analysis of the article and related issues. Be sure that you are using your readings and integrating citations to support both arguments. • Name and briefly describe five recent developments in ABA that were reviewed in the course. o Explain what additions to the philosophy and practice of ABA have been added by each development. o Briefly recap each of Baer et al.’s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA. o Choose one recent development that is of most interest to you and be specific about how the development meets the requirement for each of the seven dimensions. Discuss if there are any ways in which the development does not support the dimensions. • Consider the future of ABA. Based on your readings and analysis, what are some important areas for growth and change? o Consider the current state of multiculturalism and diversity in practice. How will growth in these areas help to build relationships to effectively support the goals and practices of applied behavior analysis? o Analyze ways in which the goals and philosophical assumptions of ABA will allow for continued development and expansion without sacrificing the scientific foundations of ABA. o In your supported opinion (i.e., using your readings for support), what are some important areas in which ABA should not change? Assignment Details Your assignment should be 8 + pages, not including the title and reference pages, and should include the following elements: • Title Page: Provide the assignment title, your name, course and section number, instructor name, and date. • Body: Include an introductory and a concluding paragraph. Answer all the questions in complete sentences and paragraphs, using appropriate personal and professional insights. o The assignment must be written in Standard English and demonstrate superior organization, including a highly developed viewpoint and purpose that is clearly established and sustained. The communication of your thoughts must be highly ordered, logical, and unified, displaying exceptional content, organization, style, and mechanics (including the use of correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure). o Your responses should meet professional writing standards, using proper tone and language. The writing and writing style should be correct and accurate and reflect knowledge of applied behavior analysis. • Reference Page: Sources listed in APA format. Include a minimum of five scholarly peer-reviewed sources to support your responses and conclusions. • Use Arial or Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced and left-aligned. • Use standard 1" margins on all sides. • Use current APA formatting and citation style • 5 academic sources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rubric Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criterion 1 Level III Max Points Points: 60 Level II Max Points Points: 48 Level I Max Points Points: 36 0 Points Analysis of the History of ABA (30%) Assignment includes all of the following: • Explains the usefulness, benefits, and social validity of ABA as an approach to treatment and behavioral development. • Considers the importance of an evidence-based and data-driven approach and the right to effective treatment as described by Van Houten et al. (1988). • Responds to some of the concerns addressed in the Trump et al. (2018) article. • Identifies some possible unwanted effects that may be associated with practice of ABA, particularly in its earliest historical use. • Identifies some ways the authors suggest these concerns can be addressed. • Based on an analysis of the articles and related issues, considers both arguments to present a supported conclusion on the appropriateness of applied behavior analysis as a socially valid treatment approach to improve quality of life. • Uses readings and integrating citations to support both arguments. Assignment includes a majority of the following: • Explains the usefulness, benefits, and social validity of ABA as an approach to treatment and behavioral development. • Considers the importance of an evidence-based and data-driven approach and the right to effective treatment as described by Van Houten et al. (1988). • Responds to some of the concerns addressed in the Trump et al. (2018) article. • Identifies some possible unwanted effects that may be associated with practice of ABA, particularly in its earliest historical use. • Identifies some ways the authors suggest these concerns can be addressed. • Based on an analysis of the articles and related issues, considers both arguments to present a supported conclusion on the appropriateness of applied behavior analysis as a socially valid treatment approach to improve quality of life. • Uses readings and integrating citations to support both arguments. Assignment includes half or less of the following: • Explains the usefulness, benefits, and social validity of ABA as an approach to treatment and behavioral development. • Considers the importance of an evidence-based and data-driven approach and the right to effective treatment as described by Van Houten et al. (1988). • Responds to some of the concerns addressed in the Trump et al. (2018) article. • Identifies some possible unwanted effects that may be associated with practice of ABA, particularly in its earliest historical use. • Identifies some ways the authors suggest these concerns can be addressed. • Based on an analysis of the articles and related issues, considers both arguments to present a supported conclusion on the appropriateness of applied behavior analysis as a socially valid treatment approach to improve quality of life. • Uses readings and integrating citations to support both arguments. Assignment does not meet the minimum criteria. Criterion 2 Level III Max Points Points: 50 Level II Max Points Points: 40 Level I Max Points Points: 30 0 Points Recent Developments and the Seven Dimensions of ABA (25%) Assignment includes all of the following: • Names and briefly describes five recent developments in ABA that were reviewed in the course. • Explains what additions to the philosophy and practice of ABA have been added by each development. • Describes each of Baer et al.’s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA. • Chooses one recent development that is of most interest. • Explains how the development meets the requirement for each of the seven dimensions. • Discusses if there are any ways in which the development does not support the dimensions. Assignment includes a majority of the following: • Names and briefly describes five recent developments in ABA that were reviewed in the course. • Explains what additions to the philosophy and practice of ABA have been added by each development. • Describes each of Baer et al.’s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA. • Chooses one recent development that is of most interest. • Explains how the development meets the requirement for each of the seven dimensions. • Discusses if there are any ways in which the development does not support the dimensions. Assignment includes half or less of the following: • Names and briefly describes five recent developments in ABA that were reviewed in the course. • Explains what additions to the philosophy and practice of ABA have been added by each development. • Describes each of Baer et al.’s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA. • Chooses one recent development that is of most interest. • Explains how the development meets the requirement for each of the seven dimensions. • Discusses if there are any ways in which the development does not support the dimensions. Assignment does not meet the minimum criteria. Criterion 3 Level III Max Points Points: 50 Level II Max Points Points: 40 Level I Max Points Points: 30 0 Points Continued Developments in ABA (25%) Assignment includes all of the following: • Uses readings and analysis to examine the future of applied behavior analysis and describes important areas for growth and change. • Considers the current state of multiculturalism and diversity in practice. • Describes how growth in the areas help to build relationships to effectively support the goals and practices of applied behavior analysis. • Analyze ways in which the goals and philosophical assumptions of ABA will allow for continued development and expansion without sacrificing the scientific foundations of ABA. • Provides a supported opinion of some important areas in which ABA should not change. Assignment includes a majority of the following: • Uses readings and analysis to examine the future of applied behavior analysis and describes important areas for growth and change. • Considers the current state of multiculturalism and diversity in practice. • Describes how growth in the areas help to build relationships to effectively support the goals and practices of applied behavior analysis. • Analyze ways in which the goals and philosophical assumptions of ABA will allow for continued development and expansion without sacrificing the scientific foundations of ABA. o Provides a supported opinion of some important areas in which ABA should not change. Assignment includes half or less of the following: • Uses readings and analysis to examine the future of applied behavior analysis and describes important areas for growth and change. • Considers the current state of multiculturalism and diversity in practice. • Describes how growth in the areas help to build relationships to effectively support the goals and practices of applied behavior analysis. • Analyze ways in which the goals and philosophical assumptions of ABA will allow for continued development and expansion without sacrificing the scientific foundations of ABA. o Provides a supported opinion of some important areas in which ABA should not change. Assignment does not meet the minimum criteria. Criterion 4 Level III Max Points Points: 20 Level II Max Points Points: 16 Level I Max Points Points: 12 0 Points Writing and Mechanics (10%) Writing includes all of the following: • Clear and logical organization of content. • Uses clear and concise bullet points, avoiding crowded slides. • Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Writing includes a majority of the following: • Clear and logical organization of content. • Uses clear and concise bullet points, avoiding crowded slides. • Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Writing includes half or less of the following: • Clear and logical organization of content. • Uses clear and concise bullet points, avoiding crowded slides. • Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Assignment does not meet the minimum criteria. Criterion 5 Level III Max Points Points: 20 Level II Max Points Points: 16 Level I Max Points Points: 12 0 Points APA Style (10%) APA Style includes all of the following: • Clearly written in Standard English. • References a minimum of five academic sources as required, including in-text citation(s). • Paraphrased and/or summarized correctly and accurately; direct quotes used minimally. • Formatted correctly using either APA style or provided template. APA Style includes a majority of the following: • Clearly written in Standard English. • References a minimum of five academic sources as required, including in-text citation(s). • Paraphrased and/or summarized correctly and accurately; direct quotes used minimally. • Formatted correctly using either APA style or provided template. APA Style includes half or less of the following: • Clearly written in Standard English. • References a minimum of five academic sources as required, including in-text citation(s). • Paraphrased and/or summarized correctly and accurately; direct quotes used minimally. • Formatted correctly using either APA style or provided template. Assignment does not meet the minimum criteria. Maximum Total Points 200 160 120 0 Minimum Total Points 161 121 1 0 1- • Leaf, J. B., Cihon, J. H., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., Liu, N., Russell, N., Unumb, L. S., Shapiro, S., & Khosrowshahi, D. (2021). Concerns about ABA-Based Intervention: An evaluation and recommendations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(6), 2838-2853. https://doi(dot)org/10.1007/s10803-021-05137-y 2- • Van Houten, R., Axelrod, S., Bailey, J. S., Favell, J. E., Foxx, R. M., Iwata, B. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1988). The right to effective behavioral treatment. Behavior Analyst, 11(2), 111-114. https://doi(dot)org/10.1007/bf03392464 3- Briefly recap each of Baer et al.’s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA. 4- From Cpooper et al., 2020 5 Course trextbook Cooper et al., 2020

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Developments and the Future of Applied Behavior Analysis Author’s Name: Institution of Affiliation: Course Name: Instructor’s Name: Date: Developments and the Future of Applied Behavior Analysis Introduction Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been one of the intervention measures applied over the years due to its outstanding benefits, usefulness, and validity. One of the benefits of ABA is that behavior analysts protect the clients’ rights (Van Houten et al., 1988). Furthermore, they employ specialized services by using recent technological and scientific findings. This process helps them offer treatment consistent with the highest excellence standards while ensuring that people who require these services are not denied the best treatment. Moreover, the behavior analysis field has acknowledged its responsibilities by reaffirming the issues for individual welfare and prescribing how behavioral therapy can be delivered best. Body Different studies have stated that since the ABA approach applies procedures that rely on behavior analytic principles, it is practical in developing various skills and ameliorating interference with behavior. For example, these studies have explained that the behavior analytic principles have been effective for autistic or people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Leaf et al., 2021). Moreover, ABA has significantly influenced substantial literature, prompting it to be considered an evidence-based practice. For example, different research and organizations have recognized ABA-based interventions as the most effective way to treat autistic or people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA has been helpful since it applies behavior analytic principles that help to boost socially essential behaviors. The main advantage of this principle is it has many types of interventions (Leaf et al., 2021). One intervention is behavioral skills training, which aims to teach new skills or behaviors. This approach employs systematic modeling, feedback, role-playing, and reinforcement. This approach aims to boost individuals’ ability to conduct a target behavior while also making this behavior more independent and fluent. The other intervention is social skills programs, which help to break complex social skills such as sharing, taking turns, or working with other members into smaller components, then teach the individual those components using a systematic process. This process has played a significant role in improving the individual's social skills. Different interventions have made ABA valuable since the healthcare professional will choose the intervention that best suits the individual. Despite ABA's outstanding benefits, it still has some weaknesses. For example, even though every person is supposed to be exposed to and treated by a competent behavior analyst, some individuals need this service. Professional behavior analyst therapists should know behavioral principles, assessment, treatment, and professional ethics (Van Houten et al., 1988). Moreover, the individual should have clinical competence, which requires adequate practicum training and supervision. However, despite having skills, there are instances in which the treatment or problem is likely to cause risk to an individual. In this instance, the professional should involve a doctoral-behavior analyst since the analyst has a skill for detecting, analyzing, and managing the assessment and treatment process to determine the intervention's failure or success. However, some professionals have engaged in these processes, posing more risk to individuals. The other issue regarding the ABA process is Lovaas was using the electric shock process as a method to prevent children from engaging in repetitive, obsessive behaviors. Even though this process could help to control the individual’s behavior, it was still harmful. This problem prompted researchers to look for a better method, which caused it to be discontinued in the late 1970s. The individuals exposed to these processes complained that they could likely cause more harm than good in their bodies even though these procedures were accurate. The research has proven that most behavior professionals thought the person’s performance could only be changed by invasive/aversive methods. However, they can also be altered through non-invasive/ non-aversive procedures. The other issue was the intensity of the intervention, relating to the intervention hours. For example, the person was usually exposed to 40 hours a week, which was too much for an adult to handle. Most people raised this issue since children were exposed to the same hours. However, despite these concerns, no data has proven that any number of hours cause harmful or undesired results. Moreover, the outcomes meta-analysis has demonstrated that more ABA-based intervention hours within an early age will improve the child’s condition. This reason makes schools maintain an average number of hours children spend in school between 30 and 35 hours weekly. The next concern is that Lovaas's strategy is a one-size-fits-all therapy. All the children were exposed to the same lesson regardless of their developmental age. However, the research showed that this process has been flexible since it was started since Ivar did not believe in protocol. On the other hand, he wanted people to be creative, innovative, and constantly change. Even though there was structure for the children in the study, there was a willingness and expectation of change to meet the children's needs. This was the main reason there was individualization since it was seen as ethical, while rigid protocols were considered antithetical to addressing the ever-changing and unique children's needs. Different recommendations address the concerns regarding Lovaas's clinical work and YAP research. One way is through continuing to develop ways of practicing behavioral analysts' knowledge regarding past research and that of Lovaas. This process will help them accu...

Updated on June 28, 2024

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