Capella University

PSYC4005: Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Change Procedures

Selecting and implementing intervention strategies to change behavior, with weekly live meetings. Catalog title adds "and Interventions".

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

PSYC4005 develops skills in behavior-change procedures. The catalog lists the full title as Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions.

Students select and implement intervention strategies to change clients' behavior through the practice of ABA. The skill being tested is choosing a procedure that fits the assessment, and justifying it.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityCapella University
Code and titlePSYC4005, Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions
Credits6
PrerequisitePSYC4004 with a grade of C or higher
Live sessionsWeekly synchronous web-conference meetings with the instructor
TransferCannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning

What PSYC4005 Covers

The catalog states that students develop skills related to behavior-change procedures, and that they select and implement intervention strategies.

SkillWhat it means in practice
Selecting proceduresChoosing a strategy that fits the assessment
Implementing strategiesDescribing how a procedure is carried out step by step
Evaluating effectsUsing data to judge whether behavior is changing
Practice of ABAWorking within the field's standards

Key Concepts Explained

Linking Procedure to Function

A procedure should address why the behavior occurs. A strategy that ignores the likely function can accidentally strengthen the problem.

Illustration (invented case): If assessment points to escape from difficult work, simply removing demands when the behavior occurs would reward it. A better plan teaches a request for a break and reinforces it, while keeping the task in place.

Reinforcement-Based Strategies

Many procedures build on reinforcing desired behavior. Good plans describe what is reinforced, how often, and how it will be reduced over time.

Monitoring and Adjusting

An intervention is a hypothesis. Data are collected during the plan, and the plan is changed if the data show no improvement.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Assignment typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Intervention planMatching procedure to functionState target, function, procedure, data plan
Procedure descriptionAccuracyWrite steps another person could follow
Case analysisApplying principlesJustify choices from the assessment
Data reviewJudging effectivenessCompare phases and recommend adjustments

Typical patterns for the subject; your assessment instructions and live meetings give the real requirements.

A Planning Table for Intervention Plans

ElementWhat to write
Target behaviorAn observable definition
FunctionThe likely reason, from the assessment
ProcedureThe steps, who carries them out and when
Data planWhat is measured and how often
Review ruleWhen and how the plan will be changed

A plan with all five elements shows that you can link assessment to intervention and keep checking whether it works.

Worked Example: Writing Procedure Steps

Illustration (invented wording): "When the learner touches the break card, the staff member says 'Break' and sets a two-minute timer. When the timer ends, the staff member returns the task. Each use of the card is recorded." Another person could follow these steps, which is the standard a procedure description should meet.

Terms to Know

TermMeaning
Positive reinforcementAdding something that makes behavior more likely
ExtinctionNo longer reinforcing a previously reinforced behavior
PromptingAssistance that helps a response occur
FadingGradually removing prompts
ShapingReinforcing successive approximations
Differential reinforcementReinforcing some responses and not others

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for PSYC4005

How We Help with PSYC4005

Send the prompt, scoring guide and case. We can explain a procedure step by step, prepare a custom plan, or review your draft for accuracy and APA style. See our psychology assignment help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of Capella University. Our work is a study and reference aid; submit only your own work under Capella's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, with free revisions and a full refund if late.

Plan Your PSYC4005 Assessment

Share the brief and case. We prepare a custom response showing how procedures link to the assessment.

Start My PSYC4005 Help

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prerequisite for PSYC4005?

PSYC4004 with a grade of C or higher.

Is the official title different?

The catalog lists it as Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions.

Are there live meetings?

Yes, weekly via web conferencing.

Can it be transferred in?

No. It cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.

How many credits is it?

Six credits.

Can you help with an intervention plan?

Yes. Send the case and instructions and we help you plan and check it.