No textbook required

This course provides an in-depth review of applied behavior analytic techniques. Students will learn to apply behavior analytic principles toward the improvement of socially significant behaviors in a wide range of settings as well as to evaluate the effects of behavioral procedures. Prerequisite: BH321

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to:

• Describe how antecedent events can contribute to the occurrence of both desired and interfering behaviors
• Define a problematic behavior in terms of the topography, frequency, intensity, location, and duration of the behavior
• Identify data collection measures to monitor the frequency, duration, and intensity of the behavior at the start of, throughout, and following the extinction process
• Determine the function of the behavior based upon direct observation, data measures (e.g., functional behavioral assessment (FBA), functional analysis), and interviews with school staff, family members, and the learner (if appropriate)
• Identify the foundations of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and understand why it was developed
• Give a basic overview of PECS, including what it is, what ages it is used with, and the steps involved in developing an individualized PECS program
• Identify the basic strategies that are used with extinction and the age groups for which extinction has been shown to be effective
• Give examples of how to implement extinction strategies in a variety of situations
• Identify the guiding principles of Pivotal Response Training
• Give a basic overview of task analysis, including how to break a skill down into smaller parts, determine how the skill will be taught, implement the intervention, and monitor progress