Overview

The aim of the module is to introduce the basic principles of behaviour analysis: the 4-term contingency. Students will demonstrate an understanding of motivating operations, discriminative stimuli, behaviour, and consequences. We will consider how to use these concepts to encourage behaviour change. An emphasis will be placed on a values-led practice of behaviour analysis, and the importance of consulting with key stakeholders in all applied work.

The module will introduce the basic principles of behaviour analysis during a 6 week block. Students will consider how the relationship between behaviour and the environment can be understood as part of the four-term contingency. We will also introduce the topics of stimulus relations, schedules of reinforcement, and differential reinforcement. Finally, we will consider what it means to demonstrate professional competence.

The module will partially meet the requirements of the UKBA(cert) postgraduate curriculum. The full curriculum minimum meets the academic requirements for a student to apply to become a UKBA(cert). The module will include content from the following UKBA(cert) curriculum areas:

What is behaviour (A1, A,2, D.1, A.7), Consequences: A.10, A.11, A.12, A.17, Schedules of reinforcement (A.11, A.13), Antecedents and Stimulus relations (A.8, A.14, A.15, A.19, A.16), Professional conduct: E.1 – E.3, E.5, E.9.

Assessment Strategy

There will be an essay and a final exam. The essay will be a review of assigned research papers with the goal of the assignment to develop the skills needed to read and summarise peer-reviewed research papers. The final exam will consist of essay questions framed as clinical scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate peer-reviewed papers that evaluate behaviour analytic interventions

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the 4-term contingency in behaviour analysis.

• Demonstrate an understanding of antecedent interventions and explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of using these intervention strategies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of consequence-based interventions and explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of using these intervention strategies.

• Understand the importance of involving the clients and key stakeholders in the assessment and intervention process.