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Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis HEA3159

Overview

This module will introduce the student to the concept of behaviour analysis specifically in relation to contemporary models of practice and the IABA (Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis) assessment tool. Ethical issues associated with behavioural techniques, analysis and the critique of current approaches will be central to the module.

Module code:HEA3159
Level:6
Module credits:20
Cost for new students:£780

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to [email protected].

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

Who is this module for?

The module will focus on the need for students to be able to demonstrate their understanding of current practice in relation to the concept of behaviour analysis. As indicated by the Department of Health (2007) in the Report of Services for People with Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour or Mental Health Needs, the need for specialist provision for this group of individuals is still an issue. Students who have the appropriate skills and who can support individuals to access mainstream services [DOH, 2001, 2007] and adapt appropriate environments to meet the person’s needs is essential.

What are the key aims of the module?

  • Critically analyse the principles of experimental analysis of behaviour and applied behaviour analysis
  • Critically evaluate contemporary legal and ethical frameworks for individuals with complex needs
  • Critically analyse current assessment tools, models for behaviour analysis and data collection
  • Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of applied behaviour analysis as an approach to understanding human behaviour and specifically the behaviour of children/adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

How will I study?

This module is normally studied over four full day sessions over one week. The module overall takes 15 weeks.

What will I study?

  • Characteristics of applied behaviour analysis
  • Operant and respondent conditioning
  • Reinforcement
  • Extinction and punishment
  • Avoidance and escape
  • Stimulus control and equivalence relations
  • Establishing operation and setting events
  • Using behavioural analytic concepts to interpret complex behaviour
  • Legal and ethical frameworks
  • Ethical considerations in data collection and analysis
  • Contemporary assessment tools
  • Behavioural functions
  • IABA assessment framework (Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis)
  • Management of assessment data
  • Methods of observational measurement, frequency and duration recording, momentary time sampling, real time recording, whole interval recording, partial interval recording
  • Reliability and validity of observational data
  • Descriptive assessment and experimental analysis including internal and external validity.

How will I be assessed?

A 3,500 word assignment that critically analyses contemporary models of assessment within a legal and ethical framework.

On successful completion you will:

  • Critically analyse the principles of experimental analysis of behaviour and applied behaviour analysis
  • Critically evaluate contemporary legal and ethical frameworks for individuals with complex needs
  • Critically analyse current assessment tools, models for behaviour analysis and data collection.

Study dates and venues

Venue: Ormskirk Campus, Edge Hill University

Starts: Monday 6 February 2023

Session times:

  • Monday 6 February 2023, attendance, 9am – 12pm
  • Monday 6 February 2023, attendance, 1pm – 4pm
  • Tuesday 7 February 2023, attendance, 9am – 12pm
  • Tuesday 7 February 2023, attendance, 1pm – 4pm
  • Wednesday 8 February 2023, attendance, 9am – 12pm
  • Wednesday 8 February 2023, attendance, 1pm – 4pm
  • Thursday 9 February 2023, attendance, 9am – 12pm
  • Thursday 9 February 2023, attendance, 1pm – 4pm
  • Friday 10 February 2023, attendance, 9am – 12pm
  • Friday 10 February 2023, attendance, 1pm – 4pm

How to apply

Module availability varies from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the popularity of some modules it may be that the module is fully booked when your application is received. We will include your details on a waiting list and allocate you a place on the next available intake.

For details of how to apply, please visit the apply page.

Contact us

For further module information, please contact the Module Coordinator James Ridley on 01695 657010 or email [email protected].

For any other queries, you can contact the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health on [email protected].

Pathways

This is a compulsory module for the BSc (Hons) Behaviour Analysis and Intervention. The module cannot be studied on a stand alone basis.