PSYK2310 Behavior Analysis 3 - Experimental and Conceptual Behavior Analysis Course description

The course provides an in-depth understanding of behavior analysis by describing in detail the theoretical basis for this science and presenting key findings from research.

The student must have passed PSYK1420 and PSYK2200.

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 relationship between applied, experimental, and conceptual behaviour analysis
• define the term summary label and explain how category mistakes can occur in the description and explanation of behaviour
• describe how complex phenomena such as memory, verbal behaviour, private behaviour, and cognition can be understood in a behaviour analytic framework

Skills

The student can

• discuss arguments for and against a behaviour analytic approach to understanding human behaviour
• define and provide examples of behaviour analytic principles

General competence

The student can

• discuss how the concepts of description, prediction, and control are part of the science of behaviour
• describe considerations that need to be taken into account when developing unit of analysis in a science of behaviour

The course includes lectures, inter-teaching, student-initiated group activities, individual study, as well as compulsory seminars. In the seminars, students will present topics from the syllabus, engage in discussion, and receive feedback and guidance on further studies. Each seminar will be concluded by student presentations on all topics from the seminar with all students in attendance. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, tests and the examination.

To prepare for the examination must the following obtain approved:

• Presence throughout the day at 5 seminars, including participation in own presentation in a group or opponent role in a group

The course has a portfolio examination where 5 tests of 1 hour taken in the course and an individual home exam over 4 days, maximum 2000 words, are included. All 5 tests must be passed in order to sit for the home exam. All components must be assessed as passed for the exam as a whole to be passed. If you have not taken the tests before or have failed, the tests in question can be taken once more before the ordinary home exam. Before the new/postponed individual home exam, there will be an opportunity to take one or more of the tests again.

For the tests: None

For the individual home examination: All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied

Grade scale A-F. A grade will be awarded on the basis of the tests taken during the course (60%) and the result of the home exam (40%). The student has a right to appeal the overall exam grade for the whole portfolio.

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.