Developments and the Future of Applied Behavior Analysis

This assignment assesses the following Course Outcomes:

Examine the historical perspectives and current developments in applied behavior analysis and professional practice.

Describe the dimensions of applied behavior analysis.

Apply concepts of cultural competence to become an agent of change.

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 (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.
• 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 (Van Houten et al., 1988).
• In your second argument, respond to some of the concerns addressed in this article.
• 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?
• 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.
• Explain how the philosophy and practice of ABA has evolved with each development and include a specific example for each.
• Briefly recap each of Baer et al.s (1968) seven dimensions of ABA.
• 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?
• Consider the current state of multiculturalism and diversity in practice. Provide a thoughtfully supported prediction of how growth in these areas helps 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, as a related set of underpinnings, will allow for continued development and expansion without sacrificing the scientific foundations of ABA.
• In your supported opinion (i.e., using your readings for support), what are some important areas in which ABA should not change?

Please review and follow the assignment requirements in the next tab titled Assignment Details.

Your assignment should be 810 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• If you need assistance with APA style, please visit the .

Future Directions in Applied Behavior Analysis

In this unit, you will be introduced to several writings that examine concerns about the current state of applied behavior analysis and some needs for continued development and growth in the field. These readings will provide perspective as you consider your role and contribution to the future evolution of applied behavior analysis.

Please read the following chapters from your text, (Staddon, 2021):

• Chapter 15
• Chapter 16
• Chapter 17

Library Reading

Beaulieu et al. (2019)

‘Capriotti & Donaldson (2022)

Conners et al. (2019)

Nosik & Grow (2015)

Nosik et al. (2019)

Van Houten et al. (1988)

Leaf et al. (2022)

Video/Podcast

Carr & Nosik (2020)