Overview
PSYC 365: Behaviour Modification Principles introduces students to the field of applied behaviour analysis, which is concerned with understanding behaviour problems and solving those problems through the application of behaviour-change techniques. Students will become familiar with the general characteristics of applied behaviour analysis as well as specific procedures including reinforcement, shaping, chaining, respondent conditioning, response cost, avoidance and escape learning, schedules of reinforcement, and stimulus discrimination procedures. Students will also learn to work with behavioural data, learning to measure and record behaviours and display behavioural data in graphic form. This will allow students to begin to conduct elementary research projects in the field of applied behaviour analysis.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Dealing with Data
Unit 3: Reinforcement and Extinction
Unit 4: Aversive Control
Unit 5: Schedules of Reinforcement
Unit 6: Stimulus Discrimination and Motivating Operations
Unit 7: Shaping, Fading, and Chaining
Unit 8: Respondent Conditioning
Unit 9: Behaviour-Change Generality and Antecedent Control
Learning outcomes
After completing PSYC 365, students should be able to
- Explain the general characteristics of applied behaviour analysis.
- Identify and provide examples of specific procedures of behaviour modification including reinforcement, shaping, chaining, respondent conditioning, response cost, avoidance and escape learning, schedules of reinforcement, and stimulus discrimination procedures.
- Work with behavioural data by measuring and recording behaviours and displaying behavioural data in graphic form.
- Reflect upon and evaluate research articles on behaviour modification.
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 365, students must complete and submit all of the assignments and quizzes, and write the final exam. Students must achieve a minimum grade of C− (60 percent) on the exam and an overall grade of at least D (50 percent) for the course.
Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the concepts presented in the course and on their ability to apply those concepts. The final grade in the course will be based on the marks achieved for the following activities.
| Activity | Weight |
| Unit Quizzes (9) | 3% each, 27% total |
| Assignment 1: Mastering the Basics of Visual Analysis | 6% |
| Assignment 2: Extension Modules | 12% |
| Assignment 3: Research Article Review | 20% |
| Final Exam | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Martin, G., & Pear, J. (2024). Behavior modification: What it is and how to do it (12th ed.). Routledge.
Other Materials
All other materials are available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PSYC 365 challenge registration, students must write the Challenge Exam alone and achieve a grade of at least C− (60 percent). The exam is worth 100% of the final grade.
Challenge for credit course registration form