Applied Behavior Analysis Commons^™

Utilizing The Spatial Evaluation Of Language And Flexibility For Youth (Self-Y) In Clinical Case Conceptualization, Katelyn Frahm

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges with restricted and repetitive behaviors, relating directly to challenges with psychological flexibility (Hyman et al., 2020; Hayes et al., 2006). Unfortunately, the history of applied behavior analysis has extended harmful implications of treatment that have focused on compliance training and punishment, often worsening psychological flexibility (Sandoval-Norton et al., 2019). Research is calling behavior analysis to combine flexible approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with technologies exploring the intricacies of individual relational networks (Hayes et al., 1999; Hayes et al., 2022; Hayes & King, 2024). The present study introduced the …

Applied And Conceptual Implications Of Relational Density Theory In Machine Learning And Behavioral Economics, Bentley J. Elliott

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Relational Density Theory (Belisle & Dixon, 2020a) is an advanced conceptualization of Stimulus Equivalence (Sidman & Tailby, 1982) and Relational Frame Theory (Hayes et al., 2001) that allows behavior scientists to measure the strength, formation, and malleability of covert behavioral experiences such as attitudes, biases, and probabilities. Relational density combines principles of behavior with the fundamentals of Newtonian classical mechanics to quantify the dimensions of relational framing as a tool for examining behavior. This thesis contains two studies on relational density in context. The first study utilized relational density theory and principles of behavioral economics to measure attitudes and charitable …

Relational Density Theory And Intercultural Interaction: Identifying And Shifting Perceptions Of At-Risk Groups, Ryan T. Moser

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Intercultural interaction is an important aspect for fostering global engagement and competence, yet we find that despite the numerous opportunities, many don’t engage cross-culturally. The current paper utilizes Relational Density Theory (RDT; Belisle & Dixon, 2020a) to examine and modify perceptions of approachability through two experiments. In experiment 1, a Multidimensional Scaling Procedure (MDS) was utilized to identify at-risk groups for non interaction among college students as well as willingness to engage. In experiment 2, a Stimulus Pairing Observation Procedure (SPOP) was utilized to determine whether exposure to positively valanced stimuli could shift the perceptions of the at-risk groups to …

Investigating The Effect Of Ai Use Disclosure And Identity On Faculty Evaluation, Nchimunya Mwiinga

Honors Program Theses

This study examines how professors' disclosure of artificial intelligence (AI) use affects student evaluations and whether these effects vary by professor ethnicity and gender. Participants reviewed identical course materials attributed to professors varying in gender and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic), with half explicitly disclosing AI use in material preparation. Results revealed that professors who disclosed AI use received significantly lower ratings across all evaluation dimensions. Furthermore, ethnicity interacted significantly with disclosure—Asian professors experienced the most substantial negative impact, Hispanic professors showed moderate negative effects, and Black professors demonstrated minimal differences between disclosure conditions. No significant gender effects were observed. These …

How Do Religious Beliefs, Practices, And Experiences Impact Mental Health?, Samantha Coyne, Margo Gregor

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The following literature review discusses the influence religious practices, beliefs, and experiences impact mental health. The discussion will revolve around three main religions: Catholocism, Judaism, and other denominations of Christianity. Negative and positive influences of religion on mental health were found and discussed.

Designing Your Next Read: How Psychology Shapes The Way We Choose Books, Stephanie M. Xu

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

Designing Your Next Read invites students to explore the psychology behind everyday choices through the familiar act of picking a book. Using the lens of design psychology, the lesson examines why decision-making often feels overwhelming and how small shifts in perception, environment, and heuristics can make choices easier and more enjoyable. Students engage in interactive exercises, including a book-browsing activity, mini-lectures on choice biases, and a “Book Blurb” exercise, to reveal how heuristics such as availability, affect, and familiarity shape responses.

Through guided discussion and reflection, students connect psychological theories like the paradox of choice and decision paralysis to their …

Se Habla Aba: Four Mexican Women Promoting Behavior Analysis, Varsovia Hernandez Eslava, Berenice De La Cruz, Sanchez Enriquez Sanchez Enriquez, Mariana De Los Santos

All Faculty Scholarship (Archived)

In this paper, we, four Mexican women in the field of behavior analysis, share our personal journeys, collaborative efforts, and the establishment of a professional organization focused on promoting standards for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Mexico. With diverse backgrounds, three of us with doctoral degrees and one of us currently enrolled in a doctoral program, and a collective clinical and/or research experience ranging from 13 to 23 years, we have overcome barriers and joined forces to contribute to the advancement of ABA. We explore the common values, goals, and motivations that brought us together in our mission to advance …

Learning By Teaching With Deliberate Errors Promotes Argumentative Reasoning, Sarah Shi Hui Wong

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Reasoning and arguing well lies at the core of thinking and constructing knowledge about complex, controversial issues. Leveraging the techniques of learning by teaching and deliberate erring, the present study developed and tested a novel intervention—learning by misteaching—to boost argumentative reasoning. University students (N = 208) were trained on argumentation strategies and studied a dual-position argumentative text on a controversial topic using one of three learning methods: notetaking, correct teaching, or misteaching. The notetaking group prepared to be tested and wrote study notes while generating good arguments about the topic, whereas both teaching groups prepared to teach and wrote a …

Effects Of Teacher Reinforcements On Student Outcomes In Adapted Physical Education: A Systematic Review, Juliana Jamison-Espinoza

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of various reinforcement strategies on student outcomes in adapted physical education (APE) settings for individuals with disabilities. A comprehensive literature search spanning from 1979 to 2024 across six databases identified 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria, involving 140 participants aged 3–22 with diverse physical and cognitive disabilities. Reinforcement strategies evaluated included token economies, verbal praise, tangible rewards, and alternative techniques such as video modeling and peer-mediated interventions. Outcomes measured were categorized into affective states, behavioral improvements, and cognitive gains. Results showed mixed effectiveness across studies: while 7 of the 18 studies reported significant improvements in …

Sentence Determination As A Function Of Sex Offender Gender, Kyle Gamache, Matt Zaitchik, Judith Platania, Willem Pontbriand

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

The current study examines perceptions of dangerousness and sentencing recommendations for female sex offenders (FSOs) compared to male sex offenders (MSOs). Participants (N = 82) were randomly assigned to read one of three vignettes depicting a sexual offense committed by a male, female, or male-female co defendant pair. Key individual difference variables—Need for Cognition (NFC) and Gender Role Beliefs (GRB)—were assessed to examine their influence on sentencing and attributional judgments. NFC emerged as a significant moderator: participants with low NFC assigned longer sentences to FSOs, whereas high NFC participants gave longer sentences to MSOs. Participants endorsing traditional gender role beliefs …

Smart Goal-Setting On Behaviors To Enhance Intrinsic Motivation For Exercise: A Pilot Study With Orangetheory Fitness Participants, Adam Relitz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sustaining long-term motivation for exercise remains a challenge within health and fitness, particularly when extrinsic factors like weight loss dominate motivational strategies. This study investigates the role of behavioral SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting in fostering intrinsic motivation, a self-driven form of engagement, among participants in a structured fitness program. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a SMART goal-setting curriculum in promoting intrinsic motivation and behavior-based goals over external outcomes like losing weight. METHODS: Participants (N = 24) were recruited from a fitness challenge program and selected one behavioral SMART goal from a …

Examining The Effects Of A Teaching Theory Of Mind Curriculum For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kayla Marie Hart

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states – thoughts, beliefs, and emotions – to oneself and others, and is critical for social understanding and interaction. Research has demonstrated that ToM development is linked to social competence, peer relationships, and emotional development in children, with notable differences observed between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurotypical peers. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Teaching Theory of Mind Curriculum (Ordetx, 2012) curriculum in improving ToM capabilities and social functioning in children with ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants, aged 7-17, underwent a 6-12 week …

The Effect Of Need For Cognition & Need For Affect On Human Reliance And Artificial Intelligence Interactions, Aliyah Mcgowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Abstract

With the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) automations in fields like medical diagnoses and mental health queries, there are concerns regarding an individual’s trust and reliance on the technology. Reliance on AI output may lead an individual to accept inaccurate or incorrect information without further analysis. Trust may influence reliance and trust formation may be a product of affective processing. This study investigated the relationship between Need for Affect (NFA), Need for Cognition (NFC), and trust and reliance on AI interactions. Participants were assessed on the NFA scale for willingness to approach or avoid emotional stimuli, the NFC …

Using Behavior Skills Training To Teach Independent Living Skills, Jeanavy Marie Perez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

As young adults transition into adulthood, they are recognized as transition-age youth (TAY) with varying levels of experience and independent skills. TAY may need training in certain independent living skills to help them be successful adults. There are varying workshops, trainings, and interventions that approach teaching relevant skills. Behavior skills training (BST) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention utilized in applied behavior analysis (ABA). BST consists of four learning components: instructions, modeling, practice, and feedback. BST can teach a variety of skills. Social skills training (SST) aims to teach behaviors that expand an individual's behavioral repertoire through the acquisition of adaptive …

Umbrella Review Of Meta-Analyses On The Risk Factors, Protective Factors, Consequences And Interventions Of Cyberbullying Victimization, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto, Crystal H. Y. Chen, Eddie M. W. Tong, Nadyanna M. Majeed

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

The increasing prevalence of cyberbullying victimization has become a commonplace issue globally. Although research has explored various predictors and consequences of cyberbullying victimization, most focus on a narrow range of variables or contexts, highlighting the need to comprehensively review and synthesize the wealth of empirical findings. We conducted a systematic review of meta-analyses on cyberbullying victimization, incorporating 56 meta-analyses and 296 effect sizes (sample size range 421–1,136,080, sample size median 53,183; searched via EBSCOhost ERIC, EBSCOhost PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, 13 cyberbullying-related journals, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) to address the following critical questions: (1) What …

The Anxious Generation, How The Great Rewiring Of Childhood Is Causing Epidemic Of Mental Illness, Jay Nathan

Journal of Global Awareness

No abstract provided.

The Mediation Of Financial Behavior To Financial Literacy And Spending Habits Of Gen Z: An Exploratory Factor Analysis, Joel Mark Rodriguez, Del Carmen Labong, Lourdes Palallos

Journal of Global Awareness

The study aims to explain the relationship of financial literacy with spending habits and behavior. Financial behavior is a mediator of Generation Z. Financial literacy is a very important dimension in making financial decisions, and this research highlighted the direct and indirect impacts that financial literacy exerts on spending behavior. Data is collected from 317 respondents using a structured questionnaire measuring financial literacy, financial behavior, and spending behavior. Correlation, regression, mediation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling have been used in evaluating these relationships. Financial literacy directly reflects a strong relationship with spending behavior, and its coefficient is 1.167. Financial behavior, …

Relationship Of Emotional Intelligence To Workplace Stress And Burnout In Behavior Analysts, Elia Santos

Student Dissertations

The experience of stress leading to burnout is at an all-time high in the field of behavior analysis. Increasing job demands for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA) put newly minted BCBAs at a higher risk of burnout. The problem is that BCBAs only receive technical and clinical training to become certified. Yet, their emotional intelligence (EI), which is associated with stress and burnout, had never been examined. The purpose of this quantitative, associational study was to investigate the relationships between EI, workplace stress, and burnout in BCBAs. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Goleman’s (1995) theory of EI. …

Application Of Peer-Mediated Instruction And Intervention (Pmii) To Enhance Social Interaction Skills In Early Elementary-Level Saudi Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) In An Inclusion Setting, Inam Alghamdi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Saudi Arabia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise, and the government is committed to improving nationwide special education services through legislative measures aimed at enhancing the flexibility of inclusion for students with ASD within school settings. However, students with ASD often encounter social challenges, especially in their interactions with peers. This increasing trend underscores the importance of implementing effective strategies to foster the social skills of these students. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is one approach that can assist in delivering services to students with ASD, proving essential for their social development. Nonetheless, limited research has been conducted on …

Protect Small Businesses: Addressing Security Threats And Insider Risks, Alan Saquella

Publications

Small businesses face unique security challenges that make them highly vulnerable compared to larger organizations. While large companies often have dedicated teams of cybersecurity experts, fraud examiners, investigators and the resources to implement robust security measures, small businesses typically operate with limited budgets and minimal staff, making them prime targets for a variety of internal and external threats.