PSYC 3515 Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis | College of Extended Learning | UNB

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College of Extended Learning

Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis

Subject Course No. Credit Value
Psychology PSYC 3515 Three (3) credit hours

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). We will learn about the history of ABA, defining and measuring behaviour, the basic principles and procedures of ABA, developing new skills and increasing behaviour, and assessing and treating challenging behaviours.

Contact the instructor to request a syllabus.

Instructor: Ashley Daniel
Prerequisite: Introductory Psychology (6 ch). Students who have received credit for PSYC 3663 cannot receive credit for PSYC 3315.

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the scientific goals and philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis, identify different domains of behaviour analysis, and explain basic concepts of behaviour analysis (e.g., discrimination, generalization, and maintenance).
  • Demonstrate how to select and operationally define target behaviours for intervention.
  • Select the appropriate measurement procedure given the dimensions of a behavior and the logistics of observing and recording.
  • Describe reinforcement interventions and apply positive reinforcement to modify a target behaviour of your own.
  • Describe punishment interventions and discuss best practices guidelines and ethical considerations regarding the use of punishment to modify a behaviour.
  • Describe how extinction can be used for behaviours maintained by positive and negative reinforcement, the variables affecting resistance to extinction, and practical guidelines for the effective use of extinction.
  • Describe how discrimination training is used to develop stimulus control.
    Describe the guidelines for effective imitation training, discuss the elements of effective modeling procedures, and describe the essential skills for observational learning.
  • Define the following terms and explain their role in shaping: differential reinforcement, extinction-induced variability, response differentiation, successive approximations.
  • Define and give examples of forward chaining, total-task chaining, and backward chaining.
  • Explain, with respect to practical examples, the considerations that must be made when implementing a token economy.
  • Define and give examples of the different types of group contingencies.
  • Write a contingency contract to modify a behaviour.
  • State and provide examples of the different methods of conducting a functional behavior assessment and explain the strengths and limitations of each.
  • Describe how to various types of functional analyses, interpret functional analysis data to determine the function of problem behavior, and identify function-based interventions.
  • Describe how to use all differential reinforcement procedures.
  • State the core commitments of trauma-informed care and provide behaviour analytic examples.
  • Describe steps that behaviour analysts can take to deliver trauma-informed care.

Students have six months from the registration date to complete the course. All course exams and/or assignments must be completed by the designated end date.

Assignments and examinations

  • 13 x Quizzes (25%)
  • Midcourse Exam (invigilated, 30%)
  • 1 x Assignment (15%)
  • Final Exam (invigilated, 30%)

The exam(s) for this course will be invigilated on an approved date using Respondus e-proctoring software (LockDown Browser and Monitor). This is a free tool provided with this course; a webcam is required. More information will be given once you have been registered.

Fees and payments

There is a $150 non-refundable/non-transferable online fee per course in addition to applicable tuition & fees. Learn more about our payment options.

Apply now