Module PLP-4043:
PhilosUnderp&BehAnalysisAsASci
Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behaviour Analysis 2024-25
PLP-4043
2024-25
School Of Educational Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Millicent Blandford-Elliott
Overview
The course will introduce the philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis. The content is drawn from the BCBA Task List (5th Edition), Section 1: Foundations, Content Area A: Philosophical Underpinnings.
- Identify the goals of behaviour analysis as a science (i.e., description, prediction, control).
- Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behaviour analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).
- Describe and explain behaviour from the perspective of radical behaviourism.
- Distinguish among behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behaviour analysis.
- Describe and define the dimensions of applied behaviour analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).
Assessment Strategy
-threshold --C / 50%> - Some basic consideration underpinning principles of the applications of behaviourism in the real world. - Adequate knowledge of some of the key concepts in applied behaviour analysis only. - Weaknesses in understanding theoretical issues with multiple/major factual errors. - Limited evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. - Arguments are presented briefly, but they are weak with no synthesis or original interpretation. - Answer only briefly focused on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. - Weak argument with disjointed structure and major APA format errors.
-good --B / 60%> - Some insight into the applications of behaviourism in the real world. - Strong knowledge of key concepts in applied behaviour analysis. - Solid understanding of theoretical issues mostly free of factual errors. - Evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. - Coherent arguments presented, with some limited synthesis and original interpretation - Answer focused on question, but with very little irrelevant material and clear structure - Well-structured presentation showing focus of argument and expression.
-excellent --A / 70%> - Depth of insight into behavioural principles underpinning the applications of behaviourism in the real world. - Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of applied behaviour analysis. - Excellent understanding and original interpretation of theoretical issues with no factual errors. - Clear evidence of critical analysis and insightful evaluation of theory and research. - Logically presented and defended arguments presented with coherent synthesis and original interpretation. - Answer focused on question, with no irrelevant material and clear structure. - Well-structured argument showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.
Learning Outcomes
- Consider behaviour from the perspective of radical behaviourism.
- Distinguish among behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behaviour analysis.
- Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behaviour analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).
- Identify the goals of behaviour analysis as a science (ie., description, prediction, control).
- Students will consider the dimensions of applied behaviour analysis and how applied behaviour analysis relates to both research and professional practice.
- Students will critically analyse seminal texts to describe and explain the philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis.
- To be able to discuss behavioural science in a wider context of Individual, group, multi- group and prosocial processes.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Final Exam
Weighting
70%
Due date
26/03/2025
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Philosophical Underpinnings Essay
Weighting
30%
Due date
11/03/2025