PSYK1420 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.

The course provides an introduction to organisation theory and how different ways of thinking in the organisation of work are linked to the development of society, from the emergence of the industrial society to today’s knowledge society. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding processes that contribute to stability and change in organisations. The course also addresses how global developments in technology and the environment affect the organization of work.

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

• describe the historical emergence of different types of labour organisations
• describe main features and changes of the Norwegian labour market and "The Norwegian Model"
• discuss different organizational forms and theoretical perspectives on organised work
• describe what is meant by learning and chancing in organisational structures
• reflect on practice, values and ethical conduct in organisations
• discuss what global development trends in technology, climate, sustainable development and the "green shift" mean for Norwegian working life

Skills

The student can

• reflect on and discuss important developmental features in society, organizations and working life
• apply various mandatory and other sources to analysing, discussing, and presenting key knowledge in the course, both in writing and orally

General competence

The student can

• reflect on and discuss the understanding of organisations and working life
• make his/her own assessments and develop professional based lines of reasoning relating to these

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures, self-study and group work. The groups will work independently on different issues related to the course. 

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

• Submission of one group assignment (max. 3 000 words). The group then presents the submission in plenary.

Individual written home exam over three days, maximum 3,000 words.