Description
Overview
This week’s assignment is the first step toward creating a behavior intervention support plan for a case study client. The behavior plans you develop as a behavior analyst must be evidence based. For this first assignment, you will identify an antecedent-based strategy and a replacement behavior that are function-based, (i.e., connected to the function of the client’s problem behavior) and use the library to search for the literature supporting the use of these strategies.
Preparation
To prepare for writing your assignment, complete the following:
- Familiarize yourself with the case study client given to you by your instructor.
- Identify the target behavior and begin to develop your rationale for selecting it.
- What was the assessment process followed?
- What was the function of the problem behavior?
- Choose one antecedent-based strategy and use the library to conduct a literature search to support this strategy. If you need help using the library, refer to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research GuideLinks to an external site..
- Choose a replacement behavior and a replacement-based strategy. Be sure the behavior is functioned-based and connected to the function of the client’s problem behavior. Use the library to conduct a literature search to support those strategies.
Instructions
Using the Antecedent-Based Strategies and Replacement-Based Strategies Template [DOCX], write a paper that includes the following:
Part 1 Case Study and Target Behavior (1–2 paragraphs)
- Summarize the case study you are using for your assignments.
- Identify and define the target (problem) behavior in your case study.
- Your definition must be objective, specific, and measurable so your instructor can understand what is and what is not an example of the problem target behavior.
- State the function of the problem behavior.
- Justify the function based on the data.
- Identify and define the target (problem) behavior in your case study.
Part 2 Antecedent Strategies (Approximately 1 page)
- Describe one antecedent-based strategy that could be used to prevent the behavior from recurring.
- This strategy should be function-based, (i.e., connected to the function of the problem behavior)
- In addition, explain how compassionate approaches were considered when selecting the strategy. Refer to the Capella Compassion Code [PDF].
- Use at least two recent scholarly or professional resources to support the use of your chosen antecedent-based strategy.
- Explain how the common, relevant ABA concepts, principles, and methods used in the studies can be used to modify the behavior identified in your case study.
- Explain whether the interventions in the studies can be considered compassionate and least intrusive. Refer to the Capella Compassion Code [PDF] .
Part 3 Replacement Behavior and Strategies (Approximately 1 page)
- Explain how a replacement behavior is connected to the function of the client's problem behavior.
- Describe how the behavior is functioned-based and connected to the function of the client’s problem behavior. How will this replacement behavior result in the maintaining reinforcer?
- Describe one strategy to teach and reinforce the replacement behavior and one strategy to maintain the replacement behavior.
- In addition, explain how compassionate approaches were considered when selecting and implementing the strategies. Refer to the Capella Compassion Code [PDF].
- Use at least two scholarly or professional resources to support the use of your chosen replacement-based strategy for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior.
- Explain how common, relevant ABA concepts, principles, and methods used in the studies can be used to teach and maintain the replacement behavior.
- Explain whether the interventions in the studies can be considered compassionate and least intrusive. Refer to the Capella Compassion Code [PDF].
Be sure to complete the self-assessment grading rubric included in the template.
Additional Requirements
- Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Refer to the Writing CenterLinks to an external site. as needed.
- Resources: 4 scholarly or professional resources.
- Length: 3–4 double-spaced content pages plus title page and reference list.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
- Competency 1: Recommend intervention goals based on client preferences, supporting environments, risks, constraints, and social validity.
- Objectively define the target behavior and accurately describe the function identified in the case study.
- Competency 2: Design research-based interventions for individual cases based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.
- Recommend an antecedent-based intervention based on literature.
- Explain how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention.
- Recommend an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior based on literature.
- Recommend an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior based on literature.
- Explain how the literature supports the chosen interventions for teaching, reinforcing, and maintaining the replacement behavior.
- Competency 4: Develop compassionate interventions.
- Identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies.
- Identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
- Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.
- Include a self-assessment grading rubric that is mostly accurate with few errors.
Week 4 Assignment 1 - Antecedent-Based Strategies and Replacement-Based Strategies - Rubric | ||
---|---|---|
Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
Objectively define the target behavior and accurately describe the function identified in the case study. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Defines the target behavior and function identified in the case study in an objective, specific, and measurable manner.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Objectively defines the target behavior and accurately describes the function identified in the case study.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Attempts to define the target behavior and function identified in the case study, but the target behavior is not objectively defined.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not define the target behavior or function identified in the case study. | / 18 pts |
Recommend an antecedent-based intervention based on literature. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Recommends an antecedent-based intervention and explains how the Capella Compassion Code was considered when selecting the strategy.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Recommends an antecedent-based intervention based on literature.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Recommends an antecedent-based intervention, but it is not supported by the literature or appropriate for the target behavior.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not recommend an antecedent-based intervention based on literature. | / 18 pts |
Explain how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Uses recent and relevant studies to explain how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Explains how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Explains how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention, but the explanation is unclear or missing key details.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not explain how the literature supports the chosen antecedent-based intervention. | / 18 pts |
Identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Identifies compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies and provides an example to illustrate how this intervention considers a compassionate approach.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Identifies compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Attempts to identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies, but the discussion is inaccurate or incomplete.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies. | / 18 pts |
Recommend an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior based on literature. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Recommends an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior and explains how the Capella Compassion Code was considered when selecting the strategy.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Recommends an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior based on literature.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Recommends an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior, but it is not supported by the literature or appropriate for the replacement behavior.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not recommend an intervention for teaching and reinforcing the replacement behavior based on literature. | / 18 pts |
Recommend an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior based on literature. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Recommends an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior based on literature and explains how the Capella Compassion Code was considered when selecting the strategy.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Recommends an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior based on literature.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Recommends an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior, but it is not supported by the literature or appropriate for the replacement behavior.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not recommend an intervention for maintaining the replacement behavior based on literature. | / 18 pts |
Explain how the literature supports the chosen interventions for teaching, reinforcing, and maintaining the replacement behavior. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Uses recent and relevant studies to explain how the literature supports the chosen interventions.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Explains how the literature supports the chosen interventions for teaching, reinforcing, and maintaining the replacement behavior.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Explains how the literature supports the chosen interventions for teaching, reinforcing, and maintaining the replacement behavior, but the explanation is unclear or missing key details.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not explain how the literature supports the chosen interventions for teaching, reinforcing, and maintaining the replacement behavior. | / 18 pts |
Identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Identifies compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies and provides an example to illustrate how this intervention considers a compassionate approach.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Identifies compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Attempts to identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies, but the discussion is inaccurate or incomplete.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not identify compassionate approaches in the interventions described in the studies. | / 18 pts |
Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines. | 18 to >15.3 pts DISTINGUISHED Demonstrates an academic writing style through well-organized prose that contains no significant grammatical or mechanical errors and follows assignment guidelines.15.3 to >12.6 pts PROFICIENT Demonstrates an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.12.6 to >0 pts BASIC Demonstrates minimally acceptable writing style, with instances of disorganization and grammatical or mechanical errors, or does not follow all assignment guidelines.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not demonstrate an academic writing style. | / 18 pts |
Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines. | 9 to >7.65 pts DISTINGUISHED Develops a paper that is fully compliant with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.7.65 to >6.3 pts PROFICIENT Demonstrates compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.6.3 to >0 pts BASIC Demonstrates minimally acceptable compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines. | / 9 pts |
Include a self-assessment grading rubric that is mostly accurate with few errors. | 9 to >7.65 pts DISTINGUISHED Includes a grading rubric and is accurate with self-assessment.7.65 to >6.3 pts PROFICIENT Includes a self-assessment grading rubric that is mostly accurate with few errors.6.3 to >0 pts BASIC Includes a grading rubric but does not accurately assess one's own performance.0 pts NON_PERFORMANCE Does not include a grading rubric with self-assessed score. | / 9 pts |
Total Points: 0 |
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Purchase answer to see full attachment

Explanation & Answer

Attached.
1
Antecedent Based Strategies and Replacement-Based Strategies
Student Name
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University
PSY 7713: Course Name
Instructor Name
Assignment Due Date
2
Antecedent Based Strategies and Replacement-Based Strategies
Jake is a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84.0), Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) (F90.2), Oppositional defiant disorder (F91.3), Adjustment
disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct (F43.25), Separation anxiety disorder
(F93.0). He lives with his paternal grandmother. His family is seeking help due to his increasing
maladaptive behavior which includes falling on the ground, crying, yelling and elopes. He must
be closely monitored most of the time due to his impulsiveness and inability to discern potential
dangers.
Targeted behavior: Elopement is the targeted behavior in Jake’s case which is defined as to
walk away from the structured activities without permission measured by a frequency 30 minutes
per elopement. This phenomenon is quite worrisome as it is common and has been reported to
result in serious harms.
Function of Behavior: According to the FBA data, the function of elopement is escapemaintained as it is found higher in demand conditions (10, 10, 8) than other conditions like
attention and tangible. The behavior can help him not attend to nonpreferred tasks or situations,
thus supporting the escape function hypothesis.
Antecedent Strategies
High-probability request sequence (high-p requests) is a recommended antecedent-based
procedure that can be applied to manage Jake’s elopement. This strategy consists of providing
several preferred activities (high probability requests) just before asking to perform a less
desirable or low probability request. In this way, the facilitation of compliance in successive
success gradually minimizes the negative experience with low-probability tasks and lowers the
risk of elopement.
3
Function-Based Connection
Jake’s elopement is mainly escape-motivated and indicates his preference for escaping from
activities he does not prefer, such as completing his schoolwork. High-p requests directly satisfy
this function by breaking difficult tasks into more manageable levels and assisting Jake in
following preferred, easier activities. This minimizes the chances of escaping and makes his
work easier since the tasks are more doable.
Compassionate Approaches
Based on the Capella Compassion Code, high-p requests were used since they display respect
and support. The strategy involves identification of activities that Jake finds interesting and is
capable of performing eagerly and well. It contributes toward confidence building and reduces
frustration and reinforces a positive and non-coercive climate. In doing so, the strategy promotes
the cultivation of a positive interpersonal relationship thus ultimately engendering trust.
Support from Scholarly Resources
•
Sayar et al. (2024) used meta-analysis to underscore how high-p response sequences
worked to enhance compliance and decrease escape-operations in children with ASD.
Their findings show the effectiveness of the strategy in managing behaviours like
elopement.
•
Hanratty and Hanley (2021) examined the impact of reinforcement variability and the
option of choice in compliance. The researchers underscored the significance of selecting
preferred tasks for high-p sequences, arguing that children are motivated more when
reinforcer choices are diverse and preferred by them.
Relevant ABA Concepts, Principles, and Methods
4
High-p active uses modifications, reinforcement and momentum building from
antecedent activities. This strategy improves the tendency to complete nonpreferred tasks by
associating them with the positive outcomes that are enjoyed because of preferred tasks. The
studies also underscore the importance of Positive Reinforcement and Positive Behavior
Interventions, integral parts of ABA techniques, towards increasing participation and reducing
undesirable conduct.
Alignment to Capella compassionate code
The high-p requests are not intrusive in nature ensuring that Jake’s decision-making and
choices are respected throughout the process. It does not include punitive measures but instead
follows positive reinforcement and task rotation, and as such, it is compatible with Capella
Compassion Code. In this way, the skill-building intervention embraces Jake’s worth and
humanity as well as his behavior and avoidance problems.
Replacement Behavior and Strategies
Jake’s elopement is escape-maintained, in that it is prompted by instances when he needs
to engage in nonpreferred demands or tasks. The replacement behavior appropriate in this case is
‘signaling for help or a break using a gesture, spoken word or picture’ because it addresses the
same function. This intervention allows Jake to learn how to ask for a break or help, thus, the
intervention is as successful as the escape/avoidance aspect of the program in delivering the
ultimate reinforcer, averting nonpreferred tasks. This ensures that the replacement behavior
addresses the problem behavior functionally and meets Jake’s need in a safer and appropriate
manner.
Strategies to Teach and Reinforce the Replacement Behavior
5
1. Teaching Strategy: The replacement behavior will be taught using the video modeling
technique. Jake will learn from short, motivational clips of children asking for a break or
help during challenging tasks. Next, Jake will rehearse the behavior in pro-social
modeling exercises in conjunction with structured role play. Positive reinforcement,
which in this request includes allowing the subject to have a break, will occur
immediately after the attempts are made.
2. Maintenance: A naturally occurring reinforcement will be utilized to sustain the
replacement behavior. Positive reinforcement, for example, offering a little timeout or
help, would occur organically in Jake’s day-to-day activities if he would appropriately
ask for help or for a break.
Compassionate Approaches
The proposed strategies respect the Capella Compassion Code as they are non-harassing,
age-appropriate and consider Jake’s abilities. Video modeling social skills make it easier to
understa...
