What is the role of philosophy in the science of human behaviour? What is the relevance of understanding the philosophical underpinnings of applied behaviour analysis for clinicians and practitioners? This module develops your understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of applied behaviour analysis, with careful consideration of the relevance of these to practice. You will learn to understand behaviour from various perspectives, including radical behaviourism, methodological behaviourism, and functional contextualism. You will also learn about opposing yet common perspectives about behaviour, like mentalism. This module will equip you to critically consider perspectives on behaviour and align your practice to the core dimensions of applied behaviour analysis and the philosophical underpinnings of applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support. By discussing controversies related to radical behaviourism, this module develops your ability to unpack this philosophy and its relevance to our practice critically. Clear links are drawn throughout the teaching, drawing together philosophy and the relevance for clinical practice. By understanding philosophy, you will gain a deeper understanding of practice in applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support throughout this module.
Lecture (in person)-), (Distance Learning, Asynchronous) 42, Synthesis session (in person)-), (Distance Learning Synchronous) 3
1,500 words Case Study: Evaluate the given analysis of a fictional individua's behaviour and examine how it diverges from a behaviour-analytic approach. at 30%
2,500 words Essay-Prepare an essay discussing radical behaviourism and its implications for understanding human behaviour and other related concepts (e.g., emotions or intelligence). at 70%- This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Critically examine the origins and objectives of applied behaviour analysis, focusing on its goals—description, prediction, and control—and its philosophical foundations as a natural science, including empiricism, determinism, and selectionism.
2) Critically apply an advanced understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support, including radical behaviourism and functional contextualism.
3) Differentiate and demonstrate an advanced understanding of behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice informed by behaviour analysis. Critically evaluate how professional practice can cultivate positive relationships and emphasise context-sensitive support approaches.
4) Justify, at an advanced level, complex behaviour from the perspective of radical behaviourism and contrast this with mentalistic perspectives with a particular focus on the behaviour of children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
5) Analyse and interpret in depth the core dimensions of applied behaviour analysis as originally developed by Baer, Wolf, and Risley while also exploring their ongoing evolution and refinement in contemporary practice.
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