EPN-V2

MALKA218 Ethical Considerations in the Application of Behavior Analysis Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Etiske overveielser innen anvendt atferdsanalyse
Study programme
Master's Program in Behavioral Science
Master’s Program in Behavioral Science - Specialisation in Innovation and Implementation
Master’s Program in Behavioral Science - Specialisation in Concepts and Applications
Master's Programme in Learning in Complex Systems, elective courses
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

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.

Required preliminary courses

Admission to the study program

Learning outcomes

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"

Competence

The student can

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

Teaching and learning methods

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. Feedback is used on written assignments.

Course requirements

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

  • None

Assessment

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

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F

Examiners

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.