The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of elements of the philosophy, concepts and principles underpinning applied behaviour analysis.
Indicative topics include:
Philosophical assumptions including selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony and pragmatism
Rule-governed and contingency-shaped behaviour
Radical behaviourism
Verbal behaviour and private events
Derived stimulus relations
Behaviour analysis of intellectual and developmental disability.
Private study hours: 76
Contact hours: 24
Total hours: 100
MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis – UK-SBA route
MSc in Positive Behaviour Support – UK-SBA route
PG Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis – UK-SBA route
MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Distance Learning) – UK-SBA route
MSc in Positive Behaviour Support (Distance Learning) – UK-SBA route
PG Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Distance Learning) – UK-SBA route
Main assessment methods
Coursework - Case study (1,500 words) – 50%
Coursework – timed quiz (1 hour) – 50%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
Chiesa, M. (1994) Radical Behaviourism: The Philosophy and the Science. Authors Cooperative.
Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., Heward, W.L. (2020, 3rd Ed.) Applied Behaviour Analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ, Pearson/Merrill-Prentice Hall.
Johnson, J.M (2013) Radical Behaviorism for ABA Practitioners. Sloan Educational Publishing.
Schneider, S.M. (2012) The Science of Consequences. Prometheus Books, New York.
Skinner, B.F. (1953) Science and Human Behaviour. New York, Macmillan,
Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. London, Cape.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Display an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis
2 Display an understanding of the perspective of radical behaviourism and distinguish between behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behaviour analysis
3 Display an understanding of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behaviour
4 Critically outline behaviour analytic accounts of verbal behaviour, derived stimulus relations and private events
5 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:
1 Effectively integrate complex knowledge from different sources, including published work and personal experience.
2 Demonstrate the ability to understand, and communicate in writing, complex, abstract concepts.
3 Show a capacity to effectively prioritise the demands of work and study.
4 Use information technology to a high level (word processing, email, Moodle, e-journals and other online resources).
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