Conceptual Evaluation of ABA Practices
Students will choose an ABA procedure, practice, or intervention (e.g., token economies, functional communication training, task analysis, preference assessments, behavior contracts). The paper must include:
- Description of the procedure using behavior-analytic language.
- Identification of the philosophical assumptions embedded in its design and implementation.
- Evaluation using the seven dimensions of ABA, demonstrating how the procedure meets—or fails to meet—each dimension.
- Conceptual critique addressing whether the practice is consistent with radical behaviorism.
- Analysis of rule-governed behavior and verbal processes involved in the procedure.
- Recommendations for aligning the practice more closely with behavioral principles, if needed.
Length should be 6–8 pages, APA 7th edition
Include foundational authors (Skinner, Johnston, Baer/Wolf/Risley, Palmer)
Criterion | Description | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Points |
Description of ABA Procedure | Accuracy and use of behavior-analytic language | Clear, accurate description using precise behavioral terminology | Mostly accurate description with minor imprecision | Description vague or overly procedural | 15 |
Philosophical Assumptions | Identification of assumptions underlying the practice | Assumptions clearly identified and conceptually sound | Assumptions identified but weakly analyzed | Assumptions unclear or incorrect | 15 |
Evaluation Using Dimensions of ABA | Conceptual evaluation across the seven dimensions | Thorough, accurate evaluation across all dimensions | Dimensions addressed with uneven depth | Dimensions misunderstood or incompletely addressed | 20 |
Consistency with Radical Behaviorism | Conceptual critique of philosophical alignment | Clear, well-reasoned critique grounded in radical behaviorism | Alignment discussed with limited depth | Conceptual consistency poorly analyzed | 15 |
Rule-Governed Behavior & Verbal Processes | Analysis of verbal behavior and rules within the practice | Accurate, thoughtful analysis of rule-governed behavior | Analysis present but limited | Rule-governed behavior misunderstood or omitted | 15 |
Recommendations for Conceptual Alignment | Quality of proposed revisions or refinements | Clear, behaviorally consistent recommendations grounded in principles | Recommendations reasonable but general | Recommendations vague or unsupported | 10 |
Scholarly Writing & APA Style | Organization, clarity, and APA 7 adherence | Clear, professional writing with correct APA | Minor APA or clarity errors | Frequent APA or writing issues | 10 |
Total | 100 |