Topics and Questions We Can Help You To Answer

Paper Instructions:

Description: Students will research and evaluate a non-evidence based intervention approach. Students will submit their findings in written and video format on the date designated in the syllabus.

Written and video presentations will include: a brief overview of the intervention or approach: what it is, who invented it/its origin; b. evidence in the literature; c. evidence that is not peer reviewed (e.g., from websites, etc.), including anecdotal information and any controversial evidence/studies; d.prepared discussion on the issues surrounding the approach, based on current state of the field or profession.


Steps:
Select one of the non-evidence based treatments listed below, or identify one of your own (obtain co-instructor approval - via email or slack direct message - for treatments not on the list).
Conduct internet based research on the treatment in order to identify:
Its origin: who invented it, where and when.
Its purpose or intent: what is the treatment alleged to improve; what do the sources of information about the treatment claim it will change for individuals who use it and how?
Evidence that the treatment is not research-based. This may include evidence that all claims of it “working” (doing what it is claimed to do) are based mostly on anecdotal report, lack of peer-reviewed, professional research studies indicating that it is effective, controversial evidence/studies, and/or peer reviewed papers published refuting claims of evidence for the treatment.
Opponents arguments regarding lack of efficacy, lack of research, or harm resulting from use of the treatment. These may come from peer reviewed literature, the Internet (e.g., blog posts, websites), or other media source (not our textbooks, but may include news segments, recorded interviews, newspaper articles, etc.).
Write a 2-3 page report presenting the information required in #2 above. The report must be written in a professional manner; refrain from emotional or non-behavioral commentary or inflammatory terms. Use appropriate citations in APA style, graduate level writing including grammar and punctuation.
Record a 5 minute video of yourself explaining the non-evidence based treatment. Provide all of the information identified in requirement #2 above:
Its origin
Its purpose
Evidence that it is not research-based
Opponents arguments regarding lack of efficacy/research or harm
List at least one treatment that may be used in place of this treatment that is evidence-based to treat/address the same issue/s that the non-evidence based treatment claims it treats.


Deliverable/Scoring Criteria:
Written Report, professionally written, including at least 5 sources in APA format (5 points):
Clear description of the origin of the treatment. This description should include the individual or group who developed/invented the treatment, including their role/position and where they worked at the time of the intervention (as applicable). Include in what year the treatment was developed and for whom originally developed, if not for individuals with developmental disabilities. (5 points)
Clear description of the treatment’s purpose. Describe what the treatment is alleged to improve for the individuals who use it. What issues or problems is it designed to change? How does it purport to accomplish this change (why do the proponents of the treatment believe it works)? (20 points)
Present a clear and compelling case that the treatment is not research-based, and substantiate your perspective with supporting evidence from at least 3 sources. This may include evidence that claims of it “working” (doing what it is claimed to do) are based mostly on anecdotal report, lack of peer-reviewed, professional research studies indicating that it is effective, controversial evidence/studies, and/or peer reviewed papers published refuting claims of evidence for the treatment. (25 points)
Clear summarization of opponents arguments regarding lack of efficacy, lack of research, or harm resulting from the use of the treatment. These may come from peer reviewed literature, the Internet (e.g., blog posts, websites), or other media source (not our textbooks, but may include news segments, recorded interviews, newspaper articles, etc.). (20 points)

Video Presentation:
5 minute overview, including (5 points each; 25 total):
Its origin
Its purpose
Evidence that it is not research-based
Opponents arguments regarding lack of efficacy/research or harm
List at least one treatment that may be used in place of this treatment that is evidence-based to treat/address the same issue/s that the non-evidence based treatment claims it treats.
Peer Review and Feedback (50 points)
View the video presentation of 2 of your classmates (select someone who has examined a dubious treatment other than your own).
Complete the online Peer Feedback Form included in Module 5 by:
Providing overall feedback on the presentation and the information presented, including its relevance to the role and responsibilities of a BCBA
Asking 1-2 specific questions about the dubious treatment
Dubious Treatments (select one):
Auditory Integration Therapy
Irlen Lenses
Sensory-Integration Therapy
Facilitated Communication Training
Sonrise Program
Hippotherapy
Rapid Prompting Method
Gluten/Casein Free Diet
Vitamin/supplement therapy
Chelation
Lupron Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Antifungal Agent Therapy
Secretin Injections
Bleach Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Chiropractic treatment
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Bowel Cleanses
Essential Oils
Holding Therapy
Prism Glasses
Music Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy
Art Therapy