PSYK2200 Behavior Analysis 2 - Applied Behavior Analysis Course description

This course presents the use of behaviour analysis in different fields. Learning and mastery are two essential concepts related to supporting and further developing an individual’s own competency. Also, this will increase their possibilities to influence their surroundings and to gain control of their own life. Different methods building on applied behaviour analysis and empirically supported approaches will be examined in the course.

Passed the course PSYK1420.

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

Knowledge

The student can:

• explain the characteristics of applied behaviour analysis

• describe contingency shaped behaviour vs. rule governed behaviour

• recognize and identify basic and complex verbal behaviour

• account for functional assessment

• discuss treatment of problem behaviour

• account for requirements of empirical supported treatment

• describe empirical supported treatment describe ethical standards for applied behavior analysis

• define the concept of social validity in connection with behavior-changing measures

Skills

The student can:

• define various behavior analytic principles and other learning principles

• orally account for and practically demonstrate methods for functional mapping

• propose relevant measures based on behavior analytic principles in various contexts

• identify basic verbal operants

• critically evaluate ethical and responsible use of behaviour analysis and professional skills

• using the current APA standards in written assignments; referring in text, the reference list and headings

General competence

The student can:

• convey and reflect on applied behaviour analysis as a research field

• present a range of application areas within applied behaviour analysis

• convey how behavior analytic principles are used to establish and maintain behavior

• convey how behavior analytic principles are used to unlearn problem behavior

• discuss ethical and responsible use of applied behaviour analysis

• discuss professional skills

Work and teaching methods included in the course are lectures, self-study, seminars, workshops, inter-teaching sessions and group works. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, demonstration of practical skills, written reaction papers and the examination.

To prepare for the examination must the following obtain approved:

• Presence throughout the day at 2 workshops

• Assignment of 3 individual written papers (Reaction Papers; RP’s), maximum 1000 words

Individual written home examination over four days, maximum 3 500 words

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Graded scale, A-F

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.