research-proposal-writing

# Research Proposal Writing for ABA A strong research proposal demonstrates that the proposed study is significant, methodologically sound, and ethically responsible. This skill covers the components of a behavior analytic research proposal with emphasis on single-subject design methodology. ## Proposal Structure ### 1. Introduction #### Statement of the Problem - What is the clinical or applied issue that motivates this research? - Why does it matter? Cite prevalence data, clinical impact, and cost implications. - Keep it focused: one paragraph establishing the real-world significance. #### Literature Review - What does the existing research tell us about this topic? - Identify the specific gap your study addresses. - Organize thematically: what has been studied, what methods were used, what was found, and what remains unknown. - End the literature review with a clear statement of how your study fills the identified gap. #### Research Questions - State specific, answerable research questions. - For single-subject research, questions are typically about the functional relationship between the IV and DV. - Example: "What is the effect of functional communication training on the frequency of aggression in children with autism during academic demand situations?" #### Hypotheses (Optional in ABA) - Single-subject research in the Skinnerian tradition often does not state formal hypotheses—the data speak for themselves. - If required by your institution or funder, frame hypotheses as directional predictions based on existing literature. ### 2. Method #### Participants - Inclusion criteria: diagnosis, age, skill level, behavioral prerequisites. - Exclusion criteria: conditions that would confound the study. - Recruitment strategy: where and how participants will be recruited. - Expected sample size: in single-subject research, justify based on design requirements (minimum 3 participants for multiple baseline). #### Setting - Describe the physical environment where the study will take place. - Include dimensions, materials present, and staffing. - If multiple settings are involved, describe each. #### Materials - Assessment instruments (standardized and study-specific). - Intervention materials. - Data collection tools (paper, electronic, video). - Any technology or equipment. #### Experimental Design - Name the specific single-subject design and justify why it is appropriate for this study. - **Reversal**: When the behavior is expected to be reversible and withdrawal is ethical. - **Multiple baseline**: When reversal is impractical or the behavior is irreversible. - **Alternating treatments**: When comparing two or more conditions. - **Changing criterion**: When the behavior is shaped incrementally. - Describe how the design addresses threats to internal validity. - Reference design standards (Kratochwill et al., 2010; WWC). #### Dependent Variables - Operational definitions for each dependent variable. - Include examples and non-examples. - Specify the measurement system: event recording, duration, latency, interval, etc. - Justify the selection of measurement based on the behavior's characteristics. #### Independent Variables - Detailed description of the intervention or experimental manipulation. - Describe each component in enough detail for replication. - If the IV has multiple components, describe each and its rationale. - Specify the dosage: how often, how long, in what context. #### Measurement - Data collection procedures: who collects, when, how. - **IOA plan**: Method, percentage of sessions to be assessed, criterion (≥80%). - **Treatment integrity plan**: Checklist, percentage of sessions assessed, criterion. - Training procedures for data collectors and interventionists. #### Procedures - **Baseline**: What conditions are in place? Duration criteria for stability. - **Intervention**: Step-by-step implementation procedures. - **Phase change criteria**: What decision rules govern moving between phases? - **Maintenance and generalization probes**: Schedule and procedures. ### 3. Analysis Plan #### Visual Analysis - Describe the within-condition and between-condition features you will analyze. - Reference Fisher et al. (2003) or similar frameworks. - Specify criteria for determining a functional relationship (3 demonstrations of effect). #### Supplementary Analyses - Effect size calculations: PND, PEM, Tau-U. - Social validity measures: consumer satisfaction surveys, clinical significance. - Describe any planned quantitative analyses and their rationale. ### 4. Social Validity Plan - How will you assess whether the goals, procedures, and outcomes are socially acceptable? - Who will be asked: participants, caregivers, teachers, community members? - When: before, during, and/or after the study? - Instruments: questionnaires, interviews, rating scales. - Reference Wolf (1978) on the three levels of social validity. ### 5. Ethical Considerations - Informed consent procedures: who provides consent, what information is disclosed, how consent is documented. - Assent procedures for minors or individuals with limited capacity. - Risks: identify potential risks and how they will be mitigated. - Benefits: direct benefits to participants and broader benefits to the field. - Confidentiality: how data will be stored, who will have access, when data will be destroyed. - Right to withdraw: participants can withdraw at any time without penalty. - If using restrictive procedures, justify necessity and describe safeguards. ### 6. IRB Application Components - Application form specific to your institution. - Protocol narrative (often the methods section adapted for IRB format). - Informed consent document(s). - Assent document(s) if applicable. - Recruitment materials (flyers, scripts). - Data collection instruments. - Evidence of researcher training (CITI certification, ethics training). - Conflict of interest disclosure. ### 7. Timeline - Provide a realistic timeline with milestones. - Include: IRB approval, recruitment, baseline, intervention phases, data analysis, writing. - Build in buffer time for recruitment challenges and IRB revisions. ### 8. References - APA 7th edition format. - Include all cited works. - Prioritize primary sources over secondary citations. ## Writing Compelling Significance Statements - Ground the significance in real-world impact, not just "more research is needed." - Use specific data: prevalence rates, cost of services, quality of life impact. - Connect to the field's priorities: evidence-based practice, social significance, generalization. - Example: "Approximately 25–35% of individuals with ASD exhibit aggressive behavior that limits community participation and places caregivers at risk of injury (Mazurek et al., 2013). Current evidence supports FCT as a first-line treatment, yet few studies have evaluated FCT implementation by caregivers in community settings without ongoing clinician support." ## Justifying Design Selection | Design | Justify When... | |--------|----------------| | A-B-A-B | Behavior is reversible; ethical to withdraw; strongest demonstration of control | | Multiple baseline | Behavior is not reversible; withdrawal is unsafe; multiple participants/behaviors/settings available | | Alternating treatments | Comparing two treatments; rapid alternation is feasible; minimal carryover expected | | Changing criterion | Behavior is shaped gradually; natural criterion points exist | ## Key References - Kratochwill, T. R., et al. (2010). Single-case designs technical documentation. *What Works Clearinghouse*. - Fisher, W. W., Kelley, M. E., & Lomas, J. E. (2003). Visual aids and structured criteria for improving visual inspection and interpretation of single-case designs. *JABA*, 36, 387–406. - Wolf, M. M. (1978). Social validity: The case for subjective measurement. *JABA*, 11, 203–214. - Kazdin, A. E. (2010). *Single-Case Research Designs* (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.