Target Behavior and Outcome Criteria Definition

7713 Unit 2

**You must use 3-5 scholarly, ABA articles. Non- ABA sources, (which include other disciplines- pediatrics, neuropsychology, occupational therapy etc.) will NOT be accepted and will result in a zero. You can message me a list of your references and I can look them over if you would like.

Below is a BRIEF outline to help you get started for your assignment. Please do not forget to use the scoring guide, as that is the rubric I use to grade!

Use the following subheadings in your paper and format your subheadings in APA style.

Choose a client to write the paper about. You will use this client for ALL parts of the project.

Cover page, no abstract needed (APA style)- See the “Common APA Errors to Avoid” posted in updates and handouts.

Case Study Description

Here is where you provide a description of the client YOU will be using for the ENTIRE project.

You can:

· Use a real client protecting identity

· Create a client based on a past client(s)

· Use a client found in the Resources of this course

Target Behavior Definition

Here is where you provide the behavior and operational definition of your target behavior

Make sure you definitions is:

· Objective- so any observer can delineate an occurrence from a non-occurrence

· Technological- Specified the dimension of the behavior that is measure and observed

· Complete- Describe clearly so that any reader can easily understand the definition

· Include examples and nonexample

Operational definition examples:

Behavior: Talking Out

Description: Any vocalizations (with communicative intent) that are not initiated by the teacher, are out of turn, and/or are unrelated to academic content.

EXAMPLES	NON-EXAMPLES
Answering questions directed to other students	Answering questions directed to the student or whole group
Talking, Laughing, or making noises while the teacher gives instructions	Asking the teacher a question about work after the teacher has finished giving directions,
Talking to a peer when direction is to work independently	Talking to a peer during group work or free time
Making sounds or unnecessary vocal noises during instruction	Coughing or clearing throat involuntarily

Do NOT use a table for your paper. Please write in paragraph form. I used the table to simply highlight examples and non-examples.

Behavior: Tantrum

Tantrum is defined as anytime client screams (engages in a volume louder than conversational level), cries with or without tears, may include dropping to the ground (on one or both knees, sitting, laying or any combination of above) lasting for a least 5 seconds an episode ends with 30 seconds of calm, compliant behavior. Example: Jennifer is asked to do the dishes and screams “no” and drops to the floor lasting for 10 seconds. Non-example: Jennifer stubs her toe when walking and falls to the ground due to physical discomfort.

Social Significance

Here you explain WHY this behavior will be targeted for YOUR client. What is the social significance (think APPLIED)? You will need support from the literature here. I suggest finding an article that explain why it is important to target this behavior in this population.

Outcome Criteria Definition

· Define Outcome criteria- what is it? Why is it needed? Importance etc.? use support from the literature

· What is current responding of YOUR client? Where are they NOW with the behavior (baseline)? Note- if you are using the resources or a past client, you may need to create this data. That’s okay.

SAMPLE: Currently, Joe engages in target behavior for a duration of 20 minutes per 45-minute class period. This was assessed using…………………(explain data keeping procedure)

· What preventative strategies will be put into place to aid in the reduction of this number?

SAMPLE: Completion of an FBA to determine function of target behavior and to determine the need for a behavior intervention plan will occur.

In the meantime………discuss preventative strategies you could use (example, think safety, proactive, preventing behavior)

· What is your proposed outcome criteria for 6 months.

SAMPLE: At the end of six months, target behavior will be decreased to a duration of less than 5 minutes per period.

· What is your proposed outcome criteria for 1 year.

SAMPLE: At the end of the year, target behavior will continue to occur less than 5 minutes per class period and will generalize to all classes in the school day.

Note: These are just BRIEF examples to help get you started.

Don’t forget your reference page.

Remember that APA formatting is required.