Research Methods, Measurement and Experimental Evaluations in Applied Behavior Analysis

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the use of the scientific method in evaluating assessment and intervention techniques in behavior analysis. Topics include measurement techniques, single subject experimental design, selection of dependent and independent variables, graphical presentation and evaluation of results, and ethics pertaining to working with human subjects. Principles and procedures involved in the experimental analysis of reinforcement schedules, stimulus control, and stimulus equivalence are included. Additionally, by the end of this course, students will gain comfort in presenting their work in both poster and research report for publication format. These principles will be enforced by requiring all students to complete an individualized research project which incorporates techniques in ABA and involves measurement and evaluation of the intervention used with one human participant who provides consent to participating in this project.