Applying research to practice and developing the skills to synthesize the two are important for a behavior analyst. For this Discussion, you are going to evaluate one of the articles presented in this weeks readings (ATTACHED) as the information applies to providing consultation services within a given environment. Using all of the information presented throughout the term and the text chapters outlined in this units readings, you will critically evaluate the practices described, as well as discuss any additional suggestions that you have for supporting the clients identified within the setting. Consider how you might provide consultation to the families or individuals to achieve and maintain desired target behavior. Be sure to identify which article you are reviewing at the start of your posting and provide scholarly references to support your considerations.
BELOW FIND AN EXAMPLE RESPONSE TO THE DISCUSSION PROMPT ABOVE; USE IT TO GAIN INFO AND FORMAT, BUT NOT TO COPY DIRECTLY:
For this weeks discussion post, I am evaluating the methods used in the study conducted by Burckley et al. (2014) titled An iPad-based picture and video activity schedule increases community shopping skills of a young adult with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a teaching procedure that used picture and videos to teach shopping to an 18-year-old female diagnosed with pervasive development disorder.
The procedures used included a preference assessment, determining a baseline, implementing the iPad-based intervention, and including measures to ensure maintenance and generalization of effects. In terms of a target behavior, shopping skills is socially valid as it is required for independent functioning especially for young adults. The use of a preference assessment to select the most effective reinforcement was correctly implemented. Specifically, researchers were able to implement a multiple stimulus without replacement preference assessment. Determining a baseline is important before setting a treatment goal. Without a baseline, it is not possible to accurately observe change in behavior. The researchers determined a baseline before implementing an intervention. The results of the intervention can be compared to the baseline and the effectiveness of the intervention can be measured.
Although an intervention may be effective in a treatment setting when specific prompts are available, it is difficult to reliably state how well the effects of a specific intervention will generalize to other environments (Cooper et al,. 2020). Burckley et al. (2014), included a probe to measure the generality and response maintenance of the iPad-based intervention. They observed the subject of the study shopping for the two items that was taught during the intervention without the iPad software.
The procedures implemented are consistent with the procedures that a BCBA must know how to implement. The BACB 5th edition task list specifically lists
F03 Identify and prioritize socially significant behavior goals
F05 Conduct preference assessments
G01- Use positive and negative reinforcement to strengthen behaviors.
G21- Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization
G22- Use procedures to promote maintenance
Although procedures were effectively implemented, a few considerations that need to be taken are that an individuals preferences may change overtime based on motivating operations therefore preference assessments should be conducted more frequently. In terms of providing family consultations regarding increasing shopping skills, I would stress the importance of continuing interventions in environments other than the treatment setting in order to achieve generality and response maintenance. If the intervention is only implemented in a clinical or treatment setting it is difficult for the effects of the intervention to generalize to the clients natural settings where they are most beneficial.
References
Burckley, E., Tincani, M., & Guld Fisher, A. (2015). An iPad-based picture and video activity schedule increases community shopping skills of a young adult with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 18(2), 131136. https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.3109/17518423.2014.945045
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education.
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