Overview

The course will introduce the theoretical foundations of operant learning. The content is drawn from the BCBA Task List (5th Edition), Section 2: Applications, Content Area F: Behaviour Assessment

1 Review records and available data (e.g., educational, medical, historical) at the outset of the case. 2 Determine the need for behavior-analytic services. 3 Identify and prioritize socially significant behavior-change goals. 4 Conduct assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits. 5 Conduct preference assessments. 6 Describe the common functions of problem behavior. 7 Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior. 8 Conduct a functional analysis of problem behavior. 9 Interpret functional assessment data.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -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 -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 -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

• Students will consider how to choose the best assessment to determine the function of problem behaviour.

• Students will critically analyse peer reviewed literature to inform the kind of functional assessments they might use in practice.

• Students will explain how to conduct functional assessment and a functional analysis of problem behaviour.

• Students will fluently explain a range of assessment procedures needed for teaching programmes; these will include skill based assessments, preference assessments, and reinforcer assessment.