Solved: PS517 Advanced Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

Part One: Methods of Differential Reinforcement

Compare the various forms of differential reinforcement that you can use when working with a client, namely, differential reinforcement of other, differential reinforcement of incompatible, differential reinforcement of low or higher rates, and differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors; be sure to discuss specific considerations and unintended effects associated with each form.

Part Two: Apply Differential Reinforcement to a Case

For each DR procedure identify a specific client of choice, a problem behavior, the hypothesized function of the problem behavior, a replacement behavior, and the process for identifying reinforcers as appropriate.  The same hypothetical case can be used, as appropriate, for more than one DR procedure. However, the case must match the intended outcome of the DR process being discussed, so more than one case scenario may be necessary.

Design examples for each (DRO, DRA, DRI, and DRL/DRH) where you would clearly want to use one method of differential reinforcement over the other.  Explain how you would calculate the initial schedule of reinforcement for each example taking baseline measures into consideration. Discuss whether the process of extinction would be integrated into the various differential reinforcement procedures and provide a rationale for your determination.  Then, articulate how you would go about thinning the schedules of reinforcement to promote maintenance and generalization of behavior by transferring stimulus control to naturally occurring contingencies.

Part Three:Important Considerations

Finally, address any ethical, legal, cultural and social validity issues. Throughout your discussion, synthesize the key ethical considerations that will support the necessary steps in the intervention process. Be sure to use the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code (2014) as a framework, and take careful thought in supporting your discussions with specific codes and relevant rationale.Also, include a discussion to address any potential legal, cultural and social validity issues(10-15 pages)

Other Requirements

You should apply APA Style formatting throughout your paper. Include a title page, section headings, in-text citations, and a references page. Keep direct quotes to a minimum. You should also include an introductory paragraph, thesis sentence, and summary paragraph.  You should cite relevant empirical research and scholarly articles within Applied Behavior Analysis. You should cite a minimum of seven peer-reviewed journal articles and other academic references for a total of at least ten overall sources You should carefully select sources after reviewing the literature and evaluating the credibility, relevance, quality, and research merit of each source.