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 to Other Institutions
Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.
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 |