PSYK1420 Behavior Analysis 1 - General Principles of Behavior Analysis Course description

Knowing how behaviour is influenced by conditions in the surroundings is essential and this knowledge can be used to plan and carry out different change and training measures. Special terminology is used to conduct precise analyses of behaviour and environmental influences.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge 

The student can

• explain the basic assumptions of behaviour analysis
• explain the place of behaviour analysis in psychology
• explain the research methods used in behaviour analysis
• explain reinforcement conditions 
• explain how behaviour is established, transferred and maintained

Skills 

The student can

• apply basic behaviour analysis concepts
• apply methods to observe and record behaviour
• conduct discrete trials training
• conduct precision teaching

Competence 

The student can

• describe behaviour analysis strategies
• conduct and reflect on their own presentation technique

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures, self-study and student-initiated group work. Seminars will also be held where the students present subject matter. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Tests will be held during the course and students will also present assignments related to the syllabus. The assignments will be set by the lecturer. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, tests and the exam.

In order to sign up for the final examination the following has to be approved:

• Present individually1-2 given topics to fellow students
• Identify an area of presentation technique with room for improvement and evaluate this in the students’ own presentations
• Evaluate 1-2 presentations by fellow students (both academic content and presentation technique)
• Teach fellow student topics from the syllabus using flash cards (discrete trials training) and establish flow (precision teaching).

Portfolio exam comprising four tests and a digital, supervised written exam lasting four hours. All four tests must be approved before the student can take the digital, supervised written exam. All the components must be awarded a pass grade before the exam as a whole can be passed.

If the student fails one test, the student can retake this test. Resit/rescheduled attempts at the four tests can be taken once before the ordinary, digital, supervised written exam. Before the resit/rescheduled digital, supervised written exam, students will be given a third and final attempt at one or more of the tests.

None

Grade scale A-F. A grade will be awarded on the basis of the tests taken during the course (60%) and the result of the final written exam (40%). The student has a right to appeal the overall exam grade for the whole portfolio.

One internal and one external examiner.

10 ECTs overlap with the course PSYK1410 (15 ECTS).