MALKA218 Ethical Considerations in the Application of Behavior Analysis Course description

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.

This course concerns the application of behavioral principles to the workplace, introducing performance management and behavioral systems analysis, with strategies for positive reinforcement in performance improvement.

Admission to the study program

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

Knowledge

The student can

• describe and explain the evolution of organization and management theory within the social context of its time, and discuss core concepts of some classics of organization and management literature
• describe and explain organizations and organizational behavior using concepts from systems theory and behavior analysis
• discuss learning in organizations
• describe core themes within management and organizations theories
• describe and exemplify concepts and strategies from behavior analysis in performance management

Skills

The student can

• describe and discuss matrix and project organizations and argue for the application of different organizational structures depending on the objectives of the organization
• use relevant tools from Organizational Behavior Management/Performance Management

Competence

The student

• balance resource allocation, and ensure that support functions add value to the core activities of the organisation
• maximize human, financial and technological resources in order to achieve the organization’s objectives
• present core principles of Organizational Behavior Management to others in a way that meets the requirements of professional scientific communication
• present core principles of Organizational Behavior Management to the public

Campus-based lectures, student exercises, discussions and individual papers 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. Feedback is used on written assignments.

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

• 2 individual written assignments submitted digitally, each with a maximum length of 10.000 characters, including spaces. References are to be included in the 10.000 characters.

Individual home examination, 3 hours. Exam questions are in English. Students may submit their exams in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

All

Grade scale A-F