PL1D122 - Principles and Research Methods in Behaviour Analysis 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL1D122
Module Title: Principles and Research Methods in Behaviour Analysis
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Richard May
Module Team: Emily Groves, Aimee Giles
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To provide students with an introduction to principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis; types of challenging behaviours, single case research design and the clinical contexts in which behaviour analysts work.

To provide opportunities to gain placement experience in the field of Behaviour Analysis.

Content Summary

This module has two main components. The first concerns introducing students to basic principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and will demonstrate how those principles are relevant to understanding challenging behaviour. Primary emphasis will be placed on teaching students how to explain behaviour via an individual’s history of reinforcement and punishment. In addition, students will learn how reinforcement contingencies can be changed to promote more appropriate behaviour.

The second part of the module provides students with a grounding in the application of single-case research design in experimental research designs. Students will learn about direct observation methods and how interventions based on the principles of behaviour may be evaluated in laboratory settings, applied research or in clinical practice

Students will also engage with a placement activity (either voluntary or paid); however, they will be permitted in exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the module leader to complete a case study or simulation in lieu of placement activity.

Throughout the module an emphasis will be placed on considering the fundamental ethical issues relating to behaviour analytic research and practice. Students will be introduced to the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board ethical procedures and the guidelines, and will use these to identify the ethical issues inherent in a variety of research contexts.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 60
Independent Study 160
Directed Study 180
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Explain the way that principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis can be used to address maladaptive behaviour and promote more appropriate behaviour.
LO2 Describe how research in learning and development can be applied in real world settings and evaluated using single subject research designs

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 A series of written tests set at confirmed times throughout the module comprising of a range of multiple choice and short answer questions (5 hours - Total Test Time). 300 N/A 65 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Self Reflective Assessment (CW) 1 Placement Reflection: A time-log and reflection on the placement experience, with particular focus on linking content from the module to the placement experiences. 0 1500 35 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1
Self Reflective Assessment (CW) 1

Reading List

Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. (2006). How to think like a behavior analyst: Understanding the science that can change your life. London: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Miltenberger, R. G. (2016). Behavior modification: Principles and procedures (6th ed.). Boston: Cengage.

Martin, G., & Pear, J. (2007). Behavior modification: What it is and how to do it (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.