Overview

This module will introduce students to the primary methods used to conduct behavioural assessments and evaluate evidence of effects. Students will learn how to determine the need for behaviour-analytic services, identify and prioritise socially significant behaviour-change goals, and conduct assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits. There will be an emphasis on involving clients, stakeholders and other professionals in the assessment and intervention process. Students will have an in-depth understanding of the functions of behaviour and the functional assessment procedures, including functional analysis, that are used to identify the function of behaviours that challenge.

The module will introduce behaviour change procedures. 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: Collaboration in the intervention process and Evidence-based practice (D.2, D.3, D.23, E.6, E.12), Application of antecedent-based interventions (D.4 – D.6, E.11), Extinction (D.14, D.18), Consequences to increase behaviour: (D.7, D.8, D.13, D.14), Considerations when using consequence-based interventions ( D.19).

Assessment Strategy

You must achieve a threshold of 50% to pass this module. Please see below for guidance on what you must demonstrate in your work to achieve different levels of performance.

Excellent (A*, A+, A, A-) • Open-minded and compassionate reflection on the ethical practice of behaviour analysis. All responses are consistent with the UK-SBA Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct. • Comprehensive knowledge synthesised with an applied understanding of behaviour analysis • Detailed understanding of theory with no factual errors • Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas • Novel and innovative originality in approach, interpretation, and voice • Extensive and comprehensive independent research • Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims • Highly focused and well structured • Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Correct format in appropriate referencing style

Good (B+, B, B-) • Honest and considered reflection resulting an ethical and compassionate practice of applied behaviour analysis • Strong knowledge alongside applied understanding of behaviour analysis • Clear understanding of theory and mostly free of factual errors • Some analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas • Novel originality in approach, interpretation, and voice • Considerable independent research from appropriate sources • Coherent arguments with evidence for most claims • Focused and well structured • Clear presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style

Threshold (C+, C, C-) • Honest reflection resulting in insight about the ethical practice of behaviour analysis. • Some knowledge of the practice of behaviour analysis. • Understanding the main theoretical concepts with no major factual errors • Basic analysis showing obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas • Some originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice for part of the work • Some independent research from appropriate sources • Arguments presented with evidence for the most important claims • Readable structure showing focus at times • Acceptable presentation with appropriate expression • Attempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style with no major errors

If you do not meet the threshold, then your work will be graded as a Fail (less than 50%). Fail grades vary from Poor (D+, D, D-, E+, E, E-) to Very Poor (F).

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the risks and benefits of both antecedent and consequence-based intervention strategies

• Describe the evidence base for and how to use antecedent-based interventions

• Describe the evidence base for and how to use consequence-based interventions

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

• Use a combination of assessments and a critical reading of the evidence base to make recommendations for behaviour change programmes to both increase and decrease behaviour.