Overview

This module is a key module that sets the foundation for understanding behaviour analysis on a theoretical and philosophical basis and the implications these principles have for the treatment of behavioural problems. The module covers the philosophical underpinnings of Skinner’s radical behaviourism, the language and vocabulary of behaviour analysis, and the unique perspective behaviour analysis adopts when explaining the causes of human behaviour. Topics covered include: the three-term contingency, motivational operations, positive and negative reinforcement and punishment, Pavlovian conditioning, stimulus control, schedules of reinforcement, choice and the matching law, behavioural momentum, the language of science, and the basic philosophical foundations of radical behaviourism.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold 50 – 59%•Some basic consideration 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 focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure.•Weak presentation with disjointed structure and major APA format errors. -good -Good 60 - 69%•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 focussed on question, but with very little irrelevant material and clear structure•Well-structured presentation showing focus of argument and expression. -excellent -Excellent 70% +•Depth of insight into 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 focussed on question, with no irrelevant material and clear structure.•Well-structured presentation showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge in the theoretical and philosophical background to behaviour analysis (radical behaviourism)

• 2. Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge in the major principles of respondent and operant behavior

• 3. Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge in how these principles are involved in the development of behavioural disorders

• 4. Demonstrate competency in Foundational Knowledge and Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change accompanying the BACB Fourth Task List (FK01—FK38; FK 47-48; C01—C03; D01-D02; D15—D21) (See BACB Fourth Task List for more detail).