Overview

We will cover some of the fundamental conceptual and philosophical aspects of the study of complex human behaviour that have informed all applied uses of the science of behaviour change. Topics will include how the understanding of behavioural principles is essential to understanding all aspects of ‘what we humans do’. Over the last five decades, behaviour analysts have developed therapeutic approaches and interventions to helping people across a wide range of clinical issues that will be discussed on this module: child development and behaviour problems, people with brain injury, people with dementia, the assessment and treatment of challenging and self-injurious behaviour, applied animal husbandry and the care of exotic animals, forensic behaviour analysis, and best practice in treatment for children with learning disabilities and autism.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (D) • Some basic consideration of the applications of behavioural theory in the real world. • Adequate knowledge of some of the key concepts in behavior 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 - (B) • Some insight into the applications of social behavioural theory in the real world. • Strong knowledge of key concepts in behavior analysis in practice. • 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) Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area clarity of argument and expression. Depth of insight into theoretical issues. • Depth of insight into the applications of behavioural theory in real world applications. • Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of behavior analysis in practice. • 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 presentation showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the areas where the science of behaviour change has been applied across clinical, educational, and everyday settings.

• Demonstrate an informed understanding and appreciation of the theoretical foundation and applied procedures developed by behaviour analysts as one of the helping professions.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of how behaviour analysts employ scientifically-derived principles of learning to improve the quality of life of people and animals.

• Identify, critically appraise, and explain the significance of, published works of relevance to the conceptual, experimental, or applied analysis of behaviour.