This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of the concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis.
Indicative topics include:
Defining characteristics of applied behaviour analysis
Operant and respondent conditioning
Reinforcement
Extinction and punishment
Avoidance and escape
Stimulus control and equivalence relations
Establishing operations and setting events
Verbal behaviour and private events
Using behaviour analytic concepts to interpret complex behaviour.
Main Assessment method
Coursework – essay (2,500 words) – 50%
Examination (2 hours) – 50%
Reassessment method
Reassessment instrument - Like-for-like
Applied Behaviour Analysis (Intellectual and developmental Disabilities) MSc
Applied Behaviour Analysis (Intellectual and developmental Disabilities) Post Graduate Diploma
Applied Behaviour Analysis (Intellectual and developmental Disabilities) Post Graduate Certificate
Positive Behaviour Support (Intellectual and Developmental Disability) MSc
Positive Behaviour Support (Intellectual and Developmental Disability) Postgraduate Diploma
Main Assessment method
Coursework – essay (2,500 words) – 50%
Examination (2 hours) – 50%
Reassessment method
Reassessment instrument - Like-for-like
Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2010, 2nd Ed). Ethics for behavior analysts: a practical guide to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board guidelines for responsible conduct. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Chance, P. (1998). First Course in Applied Behavior Analysis. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole (needed at first workshop for one of the exercises)
*Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., Heward, W.L. (2007, 2nd Ed.) Applied Behaviour Analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill-Prentice Hall. (always bring to workshops as exercises involving the text are frequently presented)
Johnson, J.M (2013) Radical Behaviorism for ABA Practitioners. Sloan Educational Publishing. (there will be regular reading assignments involving this book)
*Sulzer-Azaroff, B., & Mayer, G. R. (1991). Behavior analysis for lasting change. Belmont, Ca: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
*Required texts
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Display advanced understanding of the principles of the experimental analysis of behaviour and applied behaviour analysis.
8.2 Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the principles of operant and respondent behaviour.
8.3 Display advanced understanding of the three part contingency of Antecedent: Behaviour: Consequence.
8.4 Identify and describe, in-depth: stimulus control, generalisation, punishment, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement (avoidance
and escape), extinction, equivalence relations, establishing operations and setting events.
8.5 Critically outline behaviour analytic accounts of verbal behaviour and private events.
8.6 Critically evaluate academic research in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
8.7 Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of applied behaviour analysis as an approach to understanding human behaviour and,
specifically, the behaviour of children/adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Effectively integrate complex knowledge from different sources, including personal experience.
9.2 Demonstrate their ability to understand, and communicate in writing, complex, abstract concepts.
9.3 Show that they are able to combine the demands of work and study by successfully meeting deadlines for the completion of academic
assignments.
9.4 Use information technology to a high level (e.g., word processing, email, Moodle, e-journals, and other online learning resources).
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