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

The course gives an in-depth understanding of behaviour. The course provides a detailed account of the theoretical basis for behaviour analysis to use behavior analytic principles and other learning principles in solving various challenges.

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:

• Participation at the seminars (80%)
• Presentation of subject matter/texts

The course has a portfolio examination consisting of the tests described above. In addition, the portfolio consists of an individual home examination over four days (2,000 words or less). All the components of this examination must be awarded a passing grade for the examination as a whole to be considered passed. All four tests must be approved before the student can take the home examination. If the student fails one test the student will be given another attempt to complete this coursework requirement prior to the examination. Students who fail the examination, will be given a third and final attempt to re-take at all tests prior to the next opportunity to take the examination.

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.

One internal and one external examiner