This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The occurrence of challenging behaviours amongst children and adults with a diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities has produced a large body of research literature, policy and professional advice. Challenging behaviour has profound impacts upon people affected by it physically, psychologically, socially and economically. This module, as part of the Positive Behaviour Support programmes, provides information on the causes and characteristics of challenging behaviour, and outlines assessment and intervention methodologies. The module explores some legal and ethical issues arising from assessment of challenging behaviour, in particular the use of experimental conditions (analogues) during brief functional analysis. Observational methods will be taught, reliability methods considered, and the collection and presentation of data explored.
This module will be taught through blended learning via materials on Moodle. Blended learning offers flexibility to the Tizard student demographic. Blended learning features online forum and chat discussions, case-study work, group exercises, videos, guided reading of text-based materials and study questions. Reflection upon their performance is required of student work. All of these methods will contribute to the attainment of the subject specific and generic learning outcomes.
Total study hours: 300
BSc Positive Behaviour Support and associated programmes
Main assessment methods
Assignment (3500 words) - 70%
Examination- 30%
Reassessment methods
Like for Like
Brown, F., Anderson, J.L., Dr Pry, R.L. (2015). Individual Positive Behaviour Support: a standards-based guide to in school and community settings. Baltimore: Brookes
Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E. and Heward, W.L. (2nd Ed) (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Levinson, J., (2010). Making Life Work: freedom and disability in a community group home, London: University of Minnesota Press.
O'Neill, R.E. Horner, R.H. Albin, R.W. Sprague, J.R. Storey, K. Newton, J.S. (2014). Functional Assessment and Program Development for Problem Behavior: A practical handbook. (Third Edition) Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Repp, A.C., Horner, R.H. (1999). Functional Analysis of Problem Behaviour: from effective assessment to effective support. Belmont: Wadsworth
Umbreit, J., Ferro, J.B., Liaupsin, C.J., Lane, K.L. (2007). Functional Behavioural Assessment & Function Based Intervention: an effective practical approach. Upper Saddle River: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Select and use correctly specialised methods of observational measurement to conduct a functional assessment or analysis
8.2 Apply specialised methods to calculate and critically evaluate the reliability of data gathered
8.3 Effectively present observational data arising from functional analysis, making skilled judgements of the most appropriate presentation
methods (including tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams) given the data involved and the background of those receiving the presentation
8.4 Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of the use of brief functional analysis and single-case experimental designs
in applied behaviour analysis.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate capacity to form a systematic understanding of a complex subject area, including drawing critically on both published work
and personal experience
9.2 Demonstrate the ability to understand, and communicate in writing, complex, abstract concepts
9.3 Be accountable for the management of their own time and resources in ways that enable successfully meeting deadlines for the completion
of an academic assignment and revising for exams
9.4 Provide evidence-informed, analytic judgements of quantitative and qualitative data arising from a range of sources and demonstrate the
capacity to produce accurate visual representations of data.
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