Principles of Behavior Modification-DBX-DL02
Conceptual Analysis Paper
This project evaluates the student’s ability to analyze a behavioral concept from a philosophical and conceptual standpoint grounded in radical behaviorism.
Students will select one conceptual topic (examples: private events, mentalism, rule-governed behavior, determinism, parsimony) and write a structured paper that includes:
- Definition and historical origins of the concept.
- Philosophical assumptions that support or conflict with the concept.
- A conceptual analysis rooted in radical behaviorism, citing Johnston, Skinner, Moore, and Palmer.
- Identification of mentalistic interpretations commonly associated with the topic and an explanation of why they are inconsistent with behavioral science.
- A contemporary evaluation showing how the concept influences modern ABA practice.
Length should be 7-8 pages, APA 7th edition
Minimum of 5 scholarly readings assigned in the course
Criterion | Description | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Points |
Concept Definition & Historical Origins | Accuracy and completeness of defining the selected concept and its historical development | Clear, accurate definition with strong historical grounding and correct attribution to key figures | Definition accurate; historical context present but limited | Definition vague, incomplete, or historically weak | 15 |
Philosophical Assumptions | Identification and analysis of philosophical assumptions related to the concept | Assumptions clearly identified; support or conflict explained logically | Assumptions identified with limited analysis | Assumptions unclear or inaccurately described | 15 |
Radical Behaviorist Conceptual Analysis | Depth and accuracy of analysis grounded in radical behaviorism | Strong, coherent analysis grounded in radical behaviorism; sources integrated effectively | Analysis mostly accurate; limited synthesis of sources | Superficial or inconsistent conceptual analysis | 25 |
Mentalism Analysis | Identification and critique of mentalistic interpretations | Mentalistic explanations clearly identified and accurately rejected using behavioral logic | Mentalism identified with partial explanation | Mentalism misunderstood or weakly addressed | 15 |
Contemporary Relevance to ABA | Application of the concept to modern ABA practice | Clear, accurate discussion of how the concept informs current ABA practice | Application present but underdeveloped | Limited or inaccurate application | 15 |
Scholarly Writing & APA Style | Organization, clarity, and adherence to APA 7 | Well-organized, clear writing; correct APA throughout | Minor APA or clarity errors | Repeated APA errors or unclear writing | 15 |
Total | 100 |