Empirical Basis of Behavioural Techniques
Overview
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- The application of ABA is grounded in the empirical sciences.
- Assessment, including direct, indirect, and experimental methods, precede clinical applications.
- Contemporary best-practice behaviour analysis is predicated on:
- Peer-reviewed, evidenced-based research
- Interventions that are thoroughly individualized via detailed assessment processes
- A contextual “Goodness of Fit” with families, schools and other clients
- Contemporary professional ethics
- Behaviour analysts rely on direct observation in which trained observers personally see and immediately record behaviour.
- Behaviour analysts determine the reliability and social validity of their data.
- Applied behaviour analysis is the most evidenced supported clinical methodology for individuals with disabilities.
- Lecture
- Case studies
- Audio-visual presentations
- Data collection
- Self-directed online learning
This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
- Weekly quizzes
- Mid term and final test
- Fluency tests
- Literature reviews
- Class presentation
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Select behavioural strategies grounded in best practices and informed by
- Valid single-subject experimental designs
- Data collection methods
- Contemporary professional ethics
Conduct functional assessments using indirect, direct, and experimental procedures.
Measure behaviour:
- Select clincially relevant dimensions of behaviour
- Collect quantitative data and plot using equal-interval line graphs
Develop individualized interventions using reinforcement and extinction procedures
- Implement preference assessment procedures using direct, indirect, and experimental methods
- Modify schedules of reinforcement and provide appropriate uses
- Define, differentiate, and select clincially appropriate applications of differential reinforcement
- Craft individualized shaping, modeling, and chaining programs
Articulate situations in which punishment may be an ethically appropriate, best-practice, and clinically warranted procedure:
- Define and provide evidence-based and ethically-derived examples of positive and negative punishment
- Appraise the pros and cons of punishment
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
- Course pack of assigned journal readings.
Course Guidelines
Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Course Transfers
These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca
| Institution | Transfer details for DACS 5122 |
|---|---|
| Simon Fraser University (SFU) | SFU EDUC 4XX (3) |
| Thompson Rivers University (TRU) | Individual assessment |
| Trinity Western University (TWU) | TWU GENS 1XX (3) |
| University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) | No credit |
| University of Victoria (UVIC) | UVIC CYC 3XX (1.5) |
| Vancouver Island University (VIU) | No credit |