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 PSYK2210.

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 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

Research methods and statistics play a key role in behaviour and social research, and a basic understanding of methodological and statistical concepts is necessary to be able to read research articles and assess the quality of data and findings.

Passed the course PSYK2100

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 general research methodology
• describe basic research designs and the different types of validity
• explain the application of descriptive statistics
• describe the general principles of statistical hypothesis testing
• explain Type l and Type II errors
• explain different types of basic statistical analyses and their application

Skills

The student can

• assess research results from published studies and the validity of the findings
• design a good study and complete simple statistical analyses of his/her own data

Competence

The student can

• communicate the basic principles of research methodology, hypothesis testing and statistics

Work and teaching methods used in the course are seminars, self-study and group work. Students are given practical exercises in using simple statistical analysis and interpreting results.