Homework 4: Applications of Behavior Analysis

In this assignment, you will examine several different applications of behavior analysis beyond what
we have discussed in class, and you will write a short report on your findings. Follow these instructions
to complete this assignment.

1. Read Reading #7 (Heward et al., 2022) fully. Especially focus on Table 1.

2. Select three topics from Table 1.

• Choose 3 topics that are especially interesting to you. Please do not select topics that
we have explicitly discussed in class (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and
developmental disabilities, classroom management, etc.).

3. Write a brief paper (2-3 pages, double spaced) including the following:

a. Paragraph 1: Write a brief summary of Reading 7, using your own words. Be sure to

include the rationale for the paper, a definition of ABA, and a description of the
common themes in research of various topics (e.g., flexibility, thoroughness, scaling,
connections/partnerships, diversity, effectiveness, social validity, prevention, survival).

b. Paragraphs 2-4 (or more): Write at least one paragraph per selected topic. For each

topic:

§ Describe the selected topic and how ABA could be used to make socially
significant changes in that area.

§ Describe specific relevant behaviors (i.e., skills) that might be targeted for
increase. What is at least one intervention strategy that would be useful for
teaching these behaviors (e.g., shaping, prompting, chaining, DTT, NET, etc.),
and why?

§ Describe specific relevant behaviors (i.e., challenging behaviors) that might be

targeted for decrease. What is at least one intervention strategy that would be
useful for reducing these behaviors (e.g., DRA, extinction, antecedent control
procedures, etc.), and why?

c. Final Paragraph: Conclude with suggestions for future research and ideas for how ABA

can reach its full potential in terms of broad applicability, using Reading 7 as a guide.

4. Save your short report (.doc or .docx) and submit in the Homework 4 Dropbox.

• See Rubric below

Rubric:

2 points 1 point 0 points

Paragraph 1:
Introduction

Summarize Reading 7 in your
own words (rationale, definition
of ABA, description of common
themes)

Some
components
missing or
incorrect