Module: PSY6105-20 Applied Behavioural Psychology

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jennifer Kinloch

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.kinloch@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Applied behavioural psychology is the practice of applying behavioural (learning) theory and methods to understand behaviour and develop interventions to address socially significant behaviour with the aim of improving the quality of life on an individual. The foundation of behavioural psychology is the examination of interactions between behaviour and the environment (physical and social) to understand behaviour in its context. Current areas of research and application include education, autism, neuropsychological rehabilitation, gambling and substance addiction, community and organisational behaviour (e.g. environmental behaviour; organisational change) and areas of clinical psychology. Applied behavioural psychology also underpins research and training in applied animal behaviour and welfare. This module examines a range of recent developments, applications in applied behavioural psychology, and the role of behavioural psychology in psychological practice.

Aims:

• To foster an understanding of the core concepts and theories in behavioural psychology.

• To examine and evaluate the usefulness of these concepts and theories in the development of interventions to address socially significant behaviour for individuals and groups, as they are used in a variety of applied settings (and related professional roles).

• To explore the methods and techniques used in applied behavioural psychology through practical exercises.

• To develop further skills in critical evaluation, analysis, and communication.

2. Outline syllabus:

The syllabus includes an introduction to behavioural psychology and applied behaviour analysis, its foundations, core principles, methods, applications, and related professional roles across a variety of topics.

Such topics may include:

• Key steps in developing behavioural interventions

• Autism and early intensive behavioural intervention

• Applications in rehabilitation (e.g., stroke; traumatic brain injury)

• Applications in education

• Clinical applications of behavioural psychology (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia)

• Understanding choice and self-control (e.g., healthy behaviour; gambling; drug use)

• Community and organisational behaviour change (e.g., environmental behaviour; public health interventions; health and safety; organisational behaviour management)

• Applied animal welfare

• Companion and Assistance animal training (assistance dogs; landmine detection rats etc)

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This module will involve 13 1-hour lectures and 13 2-hour seminars. Seminars allow in-depth exploration of topics raised in the lecture using methods such as practical activities, group discussions, and critical reading of research. Seminar activities will include formative assessment and activities required for completion of the workbook assessment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Workbook (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: EXAM

• Description: Seen exam (2 hours)

• % Weighting: 50