PSYC 3750W - ST: Applied behavior Analysis
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43286,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dionne Migliore
Email: damigliore@ysu.edu
Course Description
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and improving human behavior. It involves using techniques and principals derived from behavioral psychology to bring about meaningful changes in behavior. ABA focuses on applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory to promote desired behaviors and reduce unwanted ones.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Applied Behavior Analysis 3rd Edition | John O. Cooper, Timothy E. Heron, & William L. Heward | ISBN-13: 978-0-13-475255-6 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | CH 1 | Definition and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis | Quiz 1 Discussion Post 1 Due 08/30/26 at 11:59pm Homework 1 Assigned |
| 8/31 | CH 2 | Basic Concepts and Principles | Quiz 2 Discussion Post 2 Due 09/06/26 at 11:59pm |
| 9/7 | CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 |
Selecting and Defining Target Behaviors Measuring Behavior Improving and Assessing the Quality of Behavioral Measurement |
Quiz 3 Discussion Post 3 Due 09/13/26 at 11:59pm |
| 9/14 | CH 6 CH 7 |
Constructing and Interpreting Graphic Displays of Behavioral Data Analyzing Behavior Change: Basic Assumptions and Strategies |
Quiz 4 Discussion Post 4 Due 09/20/26 at 11:59pm |
| 9/21 | CH 8 CH 9 CH 10 |
Reversal and Multielement Designs Multiple Baseline and Changing Criterion Designs Planning and Evaluating Applied Behavior Analysis Research |
Quiz 5 Discussion Post 5 Due 09/27/26 at 11:59pm Exam 1 opens 09/25/26 |
| 9/28 | CH 11 CH 12 |
Positive Reinforcement Negative Reinforcement |
Quiz 6 Discussion Post 6 Due 10/4/26 at 11:59pm Exam 1 Due 10/04/26 at 11:59pm |
| 10/5 | CH 13 | Schedules of Reinforcement | Quiz 7 Discussion Post 7 Due 10/11/26 at 11:59pm Homework 1 Due 10/11/26 at 11:59pm |
| 10/12 | CH 14 CH 15 |
Positive Punishment Negative Punishment |
Quiz 8 Discussion Post 8 Due 10/18/26 at 11:59pm |
| 10/19 | CH 16 CH 17 |
Motivating Operations Stimulus Control |
Quiz 9 Discussion Post 9 Due 10/25/26 at 11:59pm Homework 2 Assigned |
| 10/26 | CH 18 | Verbal Behavior | Quiz 10 Discussion Post 10 Due 11/01/26 at 11:59pm |
| 11/2 | CH 19 CH 20 |
Equivalence-based Instruction Engineering Emergent Learning with Nonequivalence Relations |
Quiz 11 Discussion Post 11 Due 11/08/26 at 11:59pm Exam 2 Opens 11/6/26 |
| 11/9 | CH 21 CH 22 CH 23 |
Imitation, Modeling, and Observational Learning Shaping Chaining |
Quiz 12 Discussion Post 12 Due 11/15/26 at 11:59pm Exam 2 Due 11/13/26 |
| 11/16 | CH 24 CH 25 CH 26 |
Extinction Differential Reinforcement Antecedent Interventions |
Quiz 13 Discussion Post 13 Due 11/22/26 at 11:59pm Homework Assignment 2 Due 11/22/26 at 11:59pm |
| 11/23 | CH 27 CH 28 |
Functional Behavior Assessment Token Economy, Group Contingencies, and Contingency Contracting |
Quiz 14 Discussion Post 14 Due 11/22/26 at 11:59pm |
| 11/30 | CH 29 | Self-Management | Quiz 15 Discussion Post 15 Due 11/29/26 at 11:59pm |
| 12/7 | Final | Final Due 12/08/26 at 11:59pm |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.