PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3cr)
This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge regarding the basic concepts and principles of behavior analysis. Students will gain an introduction to what behavior analysis is and how it differs from other approaches that study behavior. Students will be asked to define and identify examples of the basic principles, then apply that knowledge to describe and diagram original, real-world examples. Students will look at how the environment promotes the development of both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, shapes behavior over time, and how the environment can be modified to help change behavior.
PSYC.5820 Measurement and Experimental Design (3cr)
This course provides advanced coverage of the measurement methods that are important to the effective use of applied behavior analysis. It also offers in-depth coverage of the "within-subject: experimental designs commonly used in behavioral research and practice. Component analysis and parametric analysis methods, and social validity and generalization considerations in research, are also covered.
PSYC.5830 Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis (3cr)
This course will focus on the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis. In this course, students will review basic assumptions about the nature of behavior, including comparison of the philosophical positions of free will and determinism. Emphasis will be placed on verbal behavior and the problems that can arise when practitioners are confronted wit mentalistic explanations of behavior. Students also will explore complex conceptual issues, such as knowledge and understanding, purpose and intention, problem-solving, reasoning, creativity, culture, ethics, and rights and values, in ways that illustrate how they are important to everyday life. The historical perspective of how radical behaviorism evolved, and how it compare to other conceptual systems will be reviewed.
Requirements:
PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis.
PSYC.5840 Behavioral Assessment (3cr)
This course covers the assessment of behaviors and skills. We will review many types of assessments used in applied behavior analysis and the reliability of these common assessments. Specific topics to be covered include functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference and reinforcement assessments, skill assessments, identification of goals, how to write goals, and the development of a treatment plan. Emphasis will be placed on the use of assessments to inform treatment.
Requirements:
PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis, and PSYC.5820 Measurement and Experimental Design.
PSYC.5850 Professional and Ethical Issues in Behavior Analysis (3cr)
This course will explore the legal and ethical issues facing professionals working with individuals diagnosed with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum. The goal is to provide behavior analysts and other professionals the opportunity to develop skills in dealing with the complex legal and ethical issues that arise when working in human service fields.
Requirements:
PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis.
PSYC.5870 Behavior Change Procedures (3cr)
This course covers the design and application of behavior change procedures commonly used by behavior analysts. We will review the importance of cultural considerations and ongoing monitoring of progress. Specific topics to be covered include reinforcement, antecedent manipulations, transfer of stimulus control, and programming for maintenance and generalization. Emphasis will be placed on procedures used for skill acquisition including social, communication, self-help, and academic skills.
Requirements:
PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis, and PSYC.5820 Measurement and Experimental Design, and PSYC.5840 Behavioral Assessment.
PSYC.5890 Implementation and Supervision Practices in Behavior Analysis (3cr)
This course covers implementation of simpler to more complex behavior change procedures and the management and supervision of the staff who implement those procedures. We will review the importance of ethical and safety considerations, data analysis to monitor progress and problem-solve any lack of progress, and initial staff training and ongoing supervision of staff. Specific topics to be covered include reinforcement procedures to impact behavior, positive and negative punishment, group contingencies and programming for maintenance and generalization of behavior changes, staff training and supervision effectiveness. Emphasis will be placed on procedures used for behavior reduction and socially-valid replacement behaviors as well as best practices in personnel management and supervision.
Requirements:
PSYC.5810 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis, and PSYC.5820 Measurement and Experimental Design, and PSYC.5840 Behavioral Assessment.