PSYC 6717: Foundation and Philosophy of Behavior Analysis
Week 1: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
This week, you will examine the foundations of applied behavior analysis. You consider operant conditioning and how it has affected your life, and you will analyze behavior analysis scenarios and identify the applied behavioral characteristic involved in each scenario. You will also complete a module test to demonstrate your understanding of these critical concepts.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze principles of operant conditioning
- Apply principles of behavioral theory to human behavior
- Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 1, “Definition and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis” (pp. 2–24)
- Chapter 2, “Basic Concepts and Principles” (pp. 25–46)
Behavior Analysis Certification Board. (2018). About behavior analysis. https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
Hubert-Williams, L. (2014, March 1). Why thoughts aren’t causes. http://www.leehw.com/thoughts-arent-causes/
Document: Behavioral Consequences Scenario Worksheet (Word document)
Required Media
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Introduction to applied behavior analysis [Video]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: This media program is approximately 39 minutes.
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Becoming a board certified behavior analyst [Video]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: This media program is approximately 56 minutes.
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Your VCS [Video]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: This media program is approximately 52 minutes.
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Operant conditioning terms [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Discussion: Operant Conditioning
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Throughout your life, you have been conditioned to respond to certain stimuli in certain ways. This is known as operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is the type of learning in which the consequences of a behavior influence whether an individual will act in the same way in the future.
Even if there was not a clear behavior plan, the principles of operant conditioning have helped shape your life. In operant conditioning, you learn the relationship between your own behavior and reinforcing or punishing consequences from your environment. You may also learn conditions (antecedents) where consequences are more or less likely to occur.
For this Discussion, you will analyze the fundamental principles of operant conditioning and how it has impacted your life. Additionally, you analyze how behavioral psychological theory (e.g., antecedents, reinforcements, punishment) is applied to condition behavior. As you read this week’s Learning Resources, try to identify times in your life when operant conditioning clearly played a part in your learning.
To Prepare
- Consider how terminology of operant conditioning relates to specific behaviors.
- Think about how your parents reinforced or punished you when you were growing up, and how those acts influenced how you behaved.
- Consider how situations in your life today contribute to your behavior. Are you more or less likely to do something when a certain person is around?
- Review the interactive media in the Learning Resources, “Operant Conditioning Terms.”
By Day 4 of Week 1
Post a description of a scenario that illustrates the application of operant conditioning in your life and explain how behavioral theory (e.g., antecedents, reinforcements, punishment) was applied to condition behavior in the scenario you posted. Explain how the antecedent condition facilitated or inhibited the target behavior discussed.
Read your colleagues’ postings.
Note: For this discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the To Participate in this Discussion link, then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two colleagues’ posts in one of the following ways:
- Expand on each colleague’s explanation of how they applied behavioral theory to their scenario.
- Offer your perspective(s) on whether you agree or disagree with each colleague’s explanation of how the antecedent condition facilitated or inhibited the target behavior discussed.
Be sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your posts and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained because of your colleagues’ comments.
Submission and Grading Information
To access your rubric:
Week 1 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 1
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 1 Discussion
Assignment: Application of Behavioral Theory
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To effectively determine best methods for behavior change, the professional behavior analyst needs to develop a strong understanding of how to analyze the situation, including the target behavior, antecedent conditions, and consequences for the behavior. Understanding the terms and phrases used in applied behavior analysis is critical to appropriately evaluate a situation and determine effective methods for behavior change.
One of the most frequently misused terms in psychology is “negative reinforcement.” Many people use this term to describe punishment because it “sounds better.” In behavioral psychology, terms are sometimes used differently than they are in everyday language. For example, the term “reinforcement” means that the rate of a behavior is increased. The term “punishment” means the rate of a behavior is decreased. The term “positive” means a stimulus is presented, and the term “negative” means a stimulus is removed. Therefore, negative reinforcement occurs when an aversive stimulus is removed, which results in an increase in probability of the behavior it followed.
For this Assignment, you will explore the application of behavioral theory. You will review a set of scenarios, analyze and identify the applied behavioral characteristic involved in the scenario, and explain how the scenario meets the definition of the characteristic you identified.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media programs.
- Review the “Behavioral Consequences Scenario Worksheet” found in the Learning Resources. You will use this worksheet to complete the Assignment.
Assignment (1–2 pages)
Complete the Behavioral Consequences Scenario Worksheet. To complete the worksheet, do the following for each scenario:
- Identify and define the following consequences used in applied behavior analysis in each scenario (i.e., positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, negative punishment).
- Explain how each scenario meets the definition of the applied behavior analysis characteristic you identified. Within your explanation, identify each of the components of the definition within the scenario.
Be sure to support your Assignment with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or the internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your Assignment. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
By Day 7 of Week 1
Submit the Behavioral Consequences Scenario Worksheet.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK1Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click on the Week 1 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click on the Week 1 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK1Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click on Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 1 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 1 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7
To submit your Assignment:
Week 1 Assignment
Module 1 Test: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
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Each module in this course provides fundamental information in a critical area of applied behavior analysis. At the end of each module, you will take a test to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered.
This week’s Test assesses your knowledge of the assigned course readings and material introducing you to applied behavior analysis.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources and consider how these resources will guide your understanding of applied behavior analysis as you prepare for your Module 1 Test.
Test Instructions
- This Test consists of 10 multiple-choice or true/false questions.
- Each question is worth one point.
- Questions are presented in a random order.
- This Test allows you to go back to check or change your answers at any point during your allotted Test time.
- You may use your course readings and other resources to help you. This Test is open book.
- You will have unlimited time to finish this Test by the end of the week.
- You must pass the Test at 90% for competency.
- Once the Test has been submitted, the correct answer will be indicated when you have given an incorrect answer.
- If you need to retake the Test, a new Test will be generated.
By Day 7 of Week 1
Submit your Test by Day 7.
Submission Information
Complete the Test by Day 7 of Week 1
To complete your Test:
Module 1 Test
Week in Review
This week, you were introduced to the fundamentals of applied behavior analysis. You reflected on how operant conditioning has affected your life, and you analyzed a set of scenarios to identify the applied behavior analysis characteristic being used. You also completed the Module Test to demonstrate your understanding of these critical concepts.
Next week, you will begin the next module of this course, Module 2: Philosophical Underpinnings. In the first week of Module 2, you will examine assumptions of behavior analysis and why they are important for a behavior analyst.
Week 2: Philosophical Assumptions of Behavior Analysis
This is the first week of Module 2: Philosophical Underpinnings. During this week, you will analyze assumptions of behavior for behavior analysts. You will further focus on the assumption known as the Law of Parsimony and consider how, as a behavior analyst, you could apply this behavioral assumption when communicating behavior-analytic interventions to a parent or teacher.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze the assumptions of behavior analysis
- Analyze the Law of Parsimony as it relates to a real-life application
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 1, “Definition and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis” (pp. 2–24)
(Previously read in Week 1)
Kimball, J. W. (2002). Behavior-analytic instruction for children with autism: Philosophy matters. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(2), 66–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576020170020101
Required Media
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis [Video]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: This media program is approximately 59 minutes.
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Six assumptions and attitudes of behavior analysis [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Discussion: Philosophical Assumptions
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The behavior of the scientists of applied behavior analysis is characterized by a set of philosophical assumptions and attitudes of science. They guide the work of the behavior analyst, including their investigations, strategic approaches, and interpretations of findings.
For this Discussion, you will analyze six assumptions and attitudes of behavior analysis discussed in the Learning Resources—determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt. You will also consider examples of how the assumptions apply to the study of behavior.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week as well as the required weekly media program to gain an understanding of the philosophical assumptions that inform the practice of behavior analysis.
- Consider examples of how the philosophical assumptions apply to the study of human behavior.
- Review the interactive media in the Learning Resources, “Six Assumptions or Attitudes of Behavior Analysis.”
By Day 4 of Week 2
The behavior of scientists, including behavior analysts, is characterized by a common set of assumptions: determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt.
Post two of these assumptions and give an example of how each applies to the study of human behavior.
Read your colleagues’ postings.
Note: For this discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the To Participate in this Discussion link, then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
By Day 6 of Week 2
Respond to at least two colleagues’ posts by expanding on each of their explanations of how the assumptions they identified in their examples apply to the study of human behavior.
Be sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your posts and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained because of your colleagues’ comments.
Submission and Grading Information
To access your rubric:
Week 2 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 2
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 2 Discussion
Assignment: Parsimony
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For this week’s Discussion, you examined a common set of assumptions characterizing the behavior of behavior analysts. One of those assumptions is the Law of Parsimony. The history and etymology of the word parsimony is from the Latin pars-, meaning “to act sparingly, be thrifty (with), refrain from” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). By extension, the Law of Parsimony posits that given two explanations for a given phenomenon, you should choose the simplest scientific explanation that fits the evidence.
Ultimately, an important purpose for using parsimonious interpretations is to enable a principle of economy when determining where new findings might incorporate into the existing knowledge base of a given field. By way of illustration, consider the following review regarding negative symptoms in schizophrenia. In the review, the authors identify a lengthy list of nearly 20 negative schizophrenia symptoms ranging from different forms of affect issues to poor grooming to asociality. Applying the law of parsimony (referred to as Occam’s Razor in the review) the authors simplified their evidence by stating, “…we propose that while negative symptoms are varied and broad in both their clinical presentation and longitudinal course, they can all be subsumed under the concept of avolition. As the primary construct, avolition translates to decreased functional performance, a hallmark of schizophrenia’s longer-term outcome but identifiable in its earliest stages” (Foussias, & Remington, 2010).
For this Assignment, you will consider why parsimony is an important construct a behavior analyst might use when communicating interventions to a parent or teacher.
References:
Foussias, G., & Remington, G. (2010). Negative symptoms in schizophrenia: Avolition and Occam’s razor. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 36(2), 359–369. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbn094
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Parsimony. Retrieved February 6, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parsimony
To Prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources about parsimony.
- Consider practical ways parsimony might be used by a behavior analyst.
Assignment (1 page)
- Write an explanation addressing why parsimony is important for a behavior analyst when communicating a prospective intervention to a parent or teacher. Be parsimonious in your response.
Be sure to support your Assignment with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or the internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your Assignment. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your Assignment.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click on the Week 2 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click on the Week 2 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click on Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 2 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 2 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7
To submit your Assignment:
Week 2 Assignment
Week in Review
This week, you examined six assumptions and attitudes of behavior analysis. You analyzed and applied the Law of Parsimony to how a behavior analyst might use it when communicating a proposed behavioral intervention.
Next week, you will examine the principles of B. F. Skinner’s radical behaviorism. You will evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of radical behaviorism using specific instances in your own life experience that seem to be consistent with Skinner’s learning principles.
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