Overview

The aim of the module is to introduce the basic principles of behaviour analysis: the 4-term contingency. Students will demonstrate an understanding of motivating operations, discriminative stimuli, behaviour, and consequences. We will consider how to use these concepts to encourage behaviour change. An emphasis will be placed on a values-led practice of behaviour analysis, and the importance of consulting with key stakeholders in all applied work.

The module will introduce the basic principles of behaviour analysis. over a 12 week block. Students will consider how the relationship between behaviour and the environment can be understood as part of the four-term contingency. We will also introduce the topics of stimulus relations, schedules of reinforcement, and differential reinforcement. Finally, we will consider what it means to demonstrate professional competence. 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:

What is behaviour (A1, A,2, D.1, A.7), Consequences: A.10, A.11, A.12, A.17, Schedules of reinforcement (A.11, A.13), Antecedents and Stimulus relations (A.8, A.14, A.15, A.19, A.16), Professional conduct: E.1 – E.3, E.5, E.9.

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 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

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate peer-reviewed papers that evaluate behaviour analytic interventions

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the 4-term contingency in behaviour analysis.

• Demonstrate an understanding of antecedent interventions and explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of using these intervention strategies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of consequence-based interventions and explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of using these intervention strategies.

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