Overview
Course: PS558 Foundations of Behavior Analysis Assignment: Long-answer essay (8–10 pages, double-spaced, APA 7) on Radical Behaviorism and the foundations of behavior analysis.
Prompts to address:
- Compare the three branches of behavior analysis (behaviorism, EAB, and ABA).
- Explain how historical and philosophical perspectives of behaviorism influenced ABA as a natural science.
- Name at least four important figures who developed or furthered the science of behavior analysis and discuss their contributions.
- Define radical behaviorism.
- Explain how radical behaviorism attempts to create universal laws to understand all behavior.
- Differentiate private events vs. public events; relate this to mentalistic vs. environmental explanations; indicate which explanation is preferred in radical behaviorism and why.
- Explain the six attitudes/assumptions of experimental analysis of behavior, the goals of science, and the seven dimensions of ABA.
- Examine how these areas work together to develop a technology (standards/procedures) used to influence socially significant behavior.
Formatting & Requirements:
- Length: 8–10 pages (not including title and reference pages).
- Structure: Introduction, body with APA section headings, and conclusion.
- Citations: APA 7, in-text citations required. At least 3 academic sources (peer-reviewed articles or textbooks).
- References: Only include sources cited in-text. Remove URLs or DOIs—use standard APA book/journal format.
- Format: Times New Roman or Arial 12 pt, double-spaced, 1" margins, left-aligned.
What I need from the tutor (learning guidance, not ghostwriting):
- A clear outline with APA-style headings and thesis.
- Brief notes or explanations for each question to guide my writing.
- A draft with proper APA citations and examples relevant to ABA.
- A final review (clarity, coherence, grammar, APA formatting, and content check).
- Academic English writing for the paper, but you can explain things to me in Spanish if needed.
Preferred / allowed sources (from my course):
- Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd/3rd ed.).
- Baer, Wolf, & Risley (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis.
- Fisher, Piazza, & Roane (2021), or other peer-reviewed ABA sources.
Please provide a preliminary draft or working version prior to the final submission so that I can review it and ensure it meets all course requirements before completion.
Attachments: Screenshots of the full assignment instructions are included for reference.
Work must be original and used for study and learning purposes (no plagiarism or AI-generated text).