PSYC401 Behaviour Analysis

Overview

Experimental analysis of behaviour and its application in clinical and nonclinical problems.

About this paper

Restriction

PSYC 465

Notes

Admission requires an average grade of at least B+ in 300-level PSYC papers and satisfactory performance in PSYC311.

Eligibility

Students who have been provisionally admitted to the Clinical Psychology Training Programme are required to take PSYC 401-406, each of which is a 10-point single-semester paper. PSYC 402-406 are for clinical students only.

Contact

balsop@psy.otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Brent Alsop

Paper Structure

This paper introduces the principles and methodology of applied and experimental behaviour analysis. The paper features lectures covering:

• Behavioural approaches and small-N research
• Classical conditioning
• Choice
• Self-control
• Contiguity and contingency
• Reinforcement
• Antecedent influences
• Decreasing behaviour

Assessment: 50% of the final grade is based on the final examination, and 50% is from internal assessment. The latter typically involves a major essay on an applied topic and a smaller presentation to the class.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will develop an understanding of the principles and concepts of behaviour analysis and their application in applied settings.

Timetable