Overview

Students will describe the various assessments used in behaviour science, including functional assessment, functional analysis, preference and reinforcer assessments and skill assessments. An emphasis will be placed on the importance of collaborative working and a values-led approach to behaviour change.

The module will introduce the topic of behaviour assessment. We will consider how to identify behaviours for change. An emphasis will be placed on ethical practice with consideration given to understanding the client's values and social validity. The module will provide an in-depth analysis of functional assessment and analysis, preference and reinforcer assessment, social validity assessments, and how to use assessments during professional supervision.

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

Introduction to behavioural assessment (C.1 – C.5, E.7), Functions of behaviour (C.8), Functional Assessments (C.9, C.10), Preference and Reinforcer Assessments ( C.7, C.11, C.12, D.20, D.21, ), Assessments in Professional Supervision: (C.13, E.13, D. 22)

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

• Collect and use the outcome of assessment and peer-reviewed literature to determine appropriate interventions for clients.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how to involve clients and key stakeholders in the assessment and intervention process.

• Explain a range of assessment procedures needed for teaching programmes; these will include skills-based assessments, preference assessments, and reinforcer assessments.

• Systematically evaluate whether a simple environmental manipulation could provide sufficient behaviour change.

• Systematically explain how to conduct functional assessments and functional analysis of problem behaviour. Critically evaluate and interpret data collected during the assessment process.