Article Synthesis

For this assignment, you will write part of your literature review. In PSYC4006, you found resources related to your chosen intervention and summarized them in your annotated bibliography. The next step is to look further into how they relate to each other and shed light on your chosen intervention. The skills you gain writing literature reviews will help you in your future career. Behavior analysts often rely on the literature to determine evidence-based practices when assessing, setting goals, and developing support plans for clients and students. Using critical thinking skills, you can find themes and determine what course of action you should take.

Preparation

Complete the following if you have not already:

1. Analyze the 57 sources you found for your annotated bibliography and identify key themes.
2. Review the you will use to write your paper.

Instructions

Your assignment should include the following information:

• Title page.
• Heading: Theme 1.
• Organize your paper by theme, not by each article. Themes could include participant characteristics, behavior of interest, function of the behavior, setting, the results, the type of intervention, or implementation of the intervention. You should choose 34 themes.
• Compare and contrast the articles relative to each theme, and then synthesize your own position relative to the theme. Ask yourself what conclusion you would draw from the articles relative to that theme and the effectiveness of the intervention.
• Note that you do not have to discuss each article in every theme. Conversely, aspects of one article may be discussed in multiple themes.
• Include discussion of how each intervention relates to the basic concepts of ABA in your discussion throughout the review.
• Heading: Theme 2.
• Heading: Theme 3.
• Heading: Theme 4.
• Reference page.

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review the
• section of the Writing Center for guidance.
• Resources: A minimum of five scholarly or professional resources.
• Length: 57 double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Template: Use the Article Synthesis Template to complete the assignment.

Competencies Measured

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

• Competency 1: Apply behavioral principles and concepts to design, sustain, and evaluate behavioral interventions.
• Explain how each theme relates to the basic concepts of ABA.
• Competency 2: Evaluate findings of applied behavioral analysis research.
• Organize paper around three relevant themes found in articles related to an intervention.
• Compare articles relative to each theme identified.
• Synthesize your own position relative to each theme identified.
• Competency 5: Communicate effectively in a manner that meets the expectations for psychology professionals.
• Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
• Successfully implement APA style.