Course Syllabus
Course: PSY 1405
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Analysis of Behavior Lab
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: In this lab, students apply the fundamental principles of learning and behavior as learned in the lecture section. The lab applies topics such as classical and operant conditioning and their ability to change human and animal behavior. The lab focuses greatly on applied behavior interventions for humans and operant conditioning for animals. This Lab, for those students who choose, may take the form of certification for a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Prerequisites: PSY 1010
Corequisites: Psy 1400
Justification: This course is designed supplement the objectives in the PSY 1400 lecture section, and to give students a basic application of concepts learned in the psychology of learning and behaviorism. It may be similar to other lab sections for behaviorism classes at other schools. This Lab, for those students who choose, may take the form of certification for a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – which is a highly employable certification.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Gain proficiency in reading, writing about, and conducting behavioral research This outcome will be assessed through simulation assignments, lab reports, and behavioral intervention assignments.
Prepare for further study in the experimental and applied analysis of behavior or psychology This outcome will be measured via simulation assignments, lab reports, and behavioral intervention assignments.
Become familiar with the basic principles, procedures, terms, and concepts of applied behavior analysis and behavior modification This will be assessed by simulation assignments, lab reports, and behavioral intervention assignments.
Prepare to correctly use the principles of behavior analysis in everyday situations with humans and non humans This will be assessed via simulation assignments, lab reports, and behavioral intervention assignments.
Demonstrate skill in the successful application of basic behavior principles in the laboratory with (virtual) animal subjects and/or behavioral interventions This outcome will be assessed through simulation assignments, lab reports, and behavioral intervention assignments.
Content:
Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with hands on learning experiences for many of the concepts learned in the Classroom portion of Analysis of Behavior. The course will focus on classical and operant procedures, observational procedures, and token economies, but may include other behavioral processes. This Lab, for those students who choose, may take the form of certification for a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). A major desire of this lab is to address diverse issues that affect people from varying backgrounds and cultures.
Key Performance Indicators:
Simulation Assignments 20 to 50%
Written Lab Reports 20 to 70%
Behavioral Interventions 20 to 70%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Sniffy the Virtual Rat, current edition
How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst, current edition
Pedagogy Statement:
This is the lab-portion of Psychology 1400. It provides students the opportunity to have hands on experiences with the concepts learned in Class via simulations and lab activities. It is application based. Furthermore, to promote inclusivity, all groups will be included through assignments and reports that are done in every lab session.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 40
Optimum Class Size: 30
