Empirical Basis of Behavioural Techniques

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