Overview

The course will introduce the philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis. The content is drawn from the BCBA Task List (5th Edition), Section 1: Foundations, Content Area A: Philosophical Underpinnings.

1. Identify the goals of behaviour analysis as a science (i.e., description, prediction, control).
2. Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behaviour analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).
3. Describe and explain behaviour from the perspective of radical behaviourism.
4. Distinguish among behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behaviour analysis.
5. Describe and define the dimensions of applied behaviour analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold --C / 50%> - 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 --B / 60%> - 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 --A / 70%> - 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

• Consider behaviour from the perspective of radical behaviourism.

• Distinguish among behaviourism, the experimental analysis of behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behaviour analysis.

• Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behaviour analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

• Identify the goals of behaviour analysis as a science (ie., description, prediction, control).

• Students will consider the dimensions of applied behaviour analysis and how applied behaviour analysis relates to both research and professional practice.

• Students will critically analyse seminal texts to describe and explain the philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis.

• To be able to discuss behavioural science in a wider context of Individual, group, multi- group and prosocial processes.