This week, you will describe the case study you are using for your assignments, identify and define the target behavior, and summarize the functional behavior assessment you completed in PSY7712.

For the Week 2 discussion, provide examples of how you may need to tweak a behavior plan to address client preferences or environmental constraints.

This quiz will assess your understanding of the topics covered in the weekly readings.

Identifying Intervention Goals

Goals are a critical part of behavioral programming for benchmarking. For a goal to be effective, it first needs to be socially significant (important to the learner) so the changes can produce a better quality of life. Once the goal is established, it must be represented clearly, completely, and concisely so the entire treatment team is aligned. The Week 2 readings will focus on selecting appropriate target behaviors as well as the importance of objectively defining target behaviors.

• Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
  • Chapter 3, “Selecting and Defining Target Behaviors,” pages 48–71.

Instructional Activities

This week, you will participate in ICS, take a quiz, and complete formative multimedia activities. The BCBA/BCaBA Task List (5th ed.) elements covered during these activities include:

• H-1: State intervention goals in observable and measurable terms.
• H-2: Identify potential interventions based on assessment results and the best available scientific evidence.
• H-3: Recommend intervention goals and strategies based on such factors as client preferences, supporting environments, risks, constraints, and social validity.
• H-4: When a target behavior is to be decreased, select an acceptable alternative behavior to be established or increased.

Capella Compassion Code

You may be directed to reflect on a section of the Capella Compassion Code in your ICS this week. Please remember to add any notes you find useful as you dive further into this code.

• Capella Compassion Code.

Interactive Learning Module: Autism: Challenging Behavior Part 1

In this activity, you will watch Part 1 of this video and answer questions to learn more about autism and ABA interventions.

Note: Although you will not receive a grade for this activity, you must complete it to pass the course.

Follow the practices in the ABA Media Best Practices [DOCX] guide to have the best possible experience with the media and to make sure you get credit for this activity.

LAUNCH INTERACTIVE MODULE

Interactive Learning Module: ABA Terminology Flashcards – Week 2

Each week, you are provided with resources to help you study and practice behavior analysis terminology. Mastering the terminology during your program will give you a solid foundation for developing examples of these terms and ultimately for practical application in the field.

This media will help you master your knowledge of the terms used this week.

Note: This media piece is included in your required instructional activities. Although you will not receive a grade for this activity, you must complete it to pass the course. You must answer each question correctly to receive credit for completing this activity.

Follow the practices in the ABA Media Best Practices [DOCX] guide to have the best possible experience with the media and to make sure you get credit for this activity.

LAUNCH INTERACTIVE MODULE

Assignment Instructions

TARGET BEHAVIOR AND OUTCOME CRITERIA DEFINITION

Overview

This assignment is the first step in the intervention plan you will complete in this course. As you are aware, when writing an intervention plan, you must first conduct an assessment. For this assignment you will summarize the assessment information from the case study and the functional behavior assessment you completed in PSY7712. If you have not taken PSY7712 or are currently taking it, please reach out to your instructor for further information. This assignment will help set the stage for the intervention plan that you will be developing throughout the course.

Instructions

After reviewing your findings from your PSY7712 case study (or the case study assigned by your instructor), you will create a presentation, completing the following:

1. Describe the case study you are using for your assignments.
2. Identify and define the target (problem) behavior in your case study.
   • Your definition must be objective, specific, and measurable so your instructor can understand what is and what is not an example of the problem target behavior. Well-written problem target behavior definitions are necessary to accurately and reliably measure behavior and to aggregate, compare, and interpret data. Well-written definitions are also necessary to guide ongoing program decisions, apply interventions consistently and accurately, and provide accountability.
3. Identify background information of the client, such as reason for referral and client’s experience with previous interventions and outcomes. Describe the steps taken to obtain the client or guardian’s consent.
4. With the Capella Compassion Code [DOCX] in mind, explain the social significance of the target behavior and why it would be important to reduce this behavior.
   • How does the reduction of this behavior align with the individual’s values and enhance their quality of life?
5. Describe the experimental analysis used and the outcomes. Be sure to include a solid hypothesis of the behavior’s function.
6. Define the outcome criteria for changing the behavior in the case study. Outcome criteria should reflect the goal for completion of the intervention. The outcome criteria should be specified before any intervention efforts begin.
7. Use references throughout your presentation to support the social significance of your target behavior, the experimental analysis, and outcome criteria.

How to Organize Your Presentation

Prepare and record a 10–15 minute presentation addressing the required information above. A PowerPoint presentation is suggested, but Google slides may work as well. Use Zoom or Kaltura to record your presentation. Refer to Using Zoom and Using Kaltura if you are unfamiliar with these tools. Audio with video screen share of your presentation is required. Webcam video of you in addition to the screen share is preferred but not required.

Use the following titles to organize your slide presentation. The presentation should be directed at a guardian or caregiver, so exceptional care and compassion must be taken in your representation of the findings and behavior.

1. Case Study Description.
2. Problem Target Behavior Identification and Definition.
3. Client Background Information and Previous Interventions.
4. Social Significance.
5. Experimental Analysis Utilized and Outcome Criteria Definition.
6. References.

Submit the link to your presentation as well as your slide deck.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Include an APA-formatted reference slide at the end of your presentation and use in-text citations as needed. Refer to Evidence and APA for citing and referencing tips.
• Resources: Three scholarly or professional resources.
• Length: 10–15 minutes.

Read the assignment scoring guide carefully to ensure that you meet all criteria.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Recommend intervention goals based on client preferences, supporting environments, risks, constraints, and social validity.
  • Objectively define the target behavior identified in the case study.
  • Define the background information and previous interventions identified in the case study.
  • Define the outcome criteria for the target behavior identified for intervention.
• Competency 2: Design research-based interventions for individual cases based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.
  • Define the experimental analysis utilized for the target behavior identified for intervention.
• Competency 4: Develop compassionate interventions.
  • Explain the social significance of the target behavior.
• Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Create a presentation that is well organized and follows assignment guidelines.
  • Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.

SUBMIT YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Assignment Instructions

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT SESSION

In this two-hour session, your instructor discusses specific topics related to ABA. Listen to the lecture, then respond to any ASR questions through polls, participate in small breakout groups, and engage in discussions with your peers and instructor in the chat area.

ICSs are not graded, but you must attend and participate in seven of these 10 sessions to pass the course. Participation is defined as:

• Attending ICS by phone or Zoom.
• Actively providing spoken or written input during ICS.
• Responding to the ASRs through polls in Zoom.
• Being available if code words are given out by your instructor.

It is strongly recommended that you view the recordings of any sessions that you miss to ensure that you are apprised of any information on assignments, discussion posts, and other assigned work presented.

Note: If you require assistive technology or alternative communication methods to participate in this activity, please contact DisabilityServices@Capella.edu to request accommodations.

SUBMIT YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Write Your Discussion Post

Environmental Considerations

When designing a treatment plan, it is important to consider the client’s environment and preferences. For this discussion, provide examples of how you may need to adjust a behavior plan to address preferences or environmental constraints. Describe some ways you might attempt to determine client preferences and environmental constraints that could affect your plan.

Response Guidelines

Read the posts of your peers and respond to one. Your response should be substantive and demonstrate your understanding of the material. Which aspects of the post do you like or agree with? Are there areas that are unclear? Did the post spark questions that you would like to ask your peer? Be sure to keep your tone scholarly, respectful, and professional.

GO TO DISCUSSION BOARD

Quiz: Take the Quiz

This quiz covers Week 2 elements from the BCBA/BCaBA Task List (5th ed.). This quiz will help you and your instructor assess your learning gains, mastery of the relevant learning objectives, and the following course competencies:

• Competency 1: Recommend intervention goals based on client preferences, supporting environments, risks, constraints, and social validity.
• Competency 3: Develop a plan to measure, generalize, and maintain intervention strategies.

Please read the following instructions carefully before beginning the quiz:

• You must complete and submit the quiz by Sunday 11:59 p.m. CST.
• Do not start the quiz until you have completed all weekly study activities. The quiz must be completed without referring to reading materials, study aids such as flash cards, or notes. A dictionary is permitted to check spelling; a glossary is not permitted. Contact with other learners or any informant during a quiz is expressly prohibited.
• There is no time limit for this quiz.
• You may take this quiz up to three times. Be sure to study content related to any incorrect answers before the next quiz attempt. The average of your scores will be recorded as your grade.

Click the linked activity title to access the quiz. If you have any issues with the quiz, contact your instructor.