MALK4000-403 Behavior Analysis and Radical Behaviorism Course description

Behavior analysis rests on two basic assumptions: a natural science of human behavior is possible, and such a science is desirable. Behavior analysis is the science of regularities in the relations between individual behavior and events in the individual’s environment. An important part of behavior analysis is developing a conceptual framework and a scientific methodology that allow the behavior analyst to precisely describe, correctly predict, and experimentally control behavior, given certain types of information about the history of the individual and the species. This methodology is demonstrably useful in promoting planned desired changes in behavior. The course places the behavior analytic approach in a context of history and philosophy of science, and introduces core topics that are relevant for complex human behavior.

Coursework requirements from MALK4000-401 must be approved to participate and submit coursework requirements in MALK4000-403

The science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) provides its practitioners with powerful tools for promoting behavior change. Applied behavior analysis is not reserved for specific target groups, yet we see that there are individuals with special needs who benefit from the methods of ABA. Frequently, those individuals are in vulnerable positions because of physical disabilities and learning difficulties, and dependent on the care and assistance of others. Applying behavior analytic methods and procedures in the service of such individuals requires ethically conscious, well-informed practitioners - service providers, care providers, and teachers - who are able to systematically weigh their decisions about arranging conditions and specific interventions in ways that benefit the individual in need of care or assistance, and that meet the standards for high quality of life. The course is designed to promote knowledge of normative ethical theories and of regulations and guidelines with relevance to responsible and ethical practices, and to encourage reflection and discussion on matters of ethics, including matters of social validity.

Admission to the study program

On successful completion of the course, the student has the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge and competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• present ethical dilemmas and discuss different ethical perspectives from moral philosophy
• discuss normative ethics considerations in applied behavior analytic treatment
• discuss the BACB "Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts" https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf

Competence

The student can

• discuss the ethical considerations described above in relation to commonly used Applied Behavior Analytic interventions

In the BSCA specialisation, campus-based lectures, exercises, discussions and oral presentations are the main teaching methods. Students read selected texts in advance for each day of class, and everyone is expected to participate in class through questions and through joining in discussion. In the BSII specialisation, the main teaching method is digital course sequences, and feedback on details of course content, and supervised discussion groups will be available during pre-determined time periods. Feedback on written assignments is used in both specialisations.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• None

Individual home examination, 5 hours. Exam questions are in English. Students may submit their exams in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

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