精东传媒app

UniSQ Logo
The current and official versions of the course specifications are available on the web at .
Please consult the web for updates that may occur during the year.

PSY3060 Learning and Behaviour Change

Semester 1, 2022 Toowoomba On-campus
Units : 1
Faculty or Section : Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences
School or Department : School of Psychology and Wellbeing
Grading basis : Graded
Course fee schedule : /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules

Staffing

Examiner:

Requisites

Pre-requisite: PSY1020

Overview

A clear understanding of the theory and application of behavioural models and techniques is considered essential to the study and practice of Psychology, forming an important component of the Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy model in common use throughout psychological practice. Knowledge of both classical and operant conditioning approaches to learning and behaviour change will enhance students' understanding of how psychological techniques are able, when used appropriately, to cause positive changes in behaviour.

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive account of how humans learn through the application of behavioural techniques - the background knowledge behind some of the most useful and effective therapies in psychology. Topics include an examination of classical and operant conditioning, individual difference factors, social learning and self-regulation, in addition to a sound historical and theoretical background in learning and behaviour from Aristotle and Descartes, via Watson and Skinner, to Bandura and beyond.

The course also provides an opportunity to apply such knowledge and techniques to directly influence behaviour in a training (behaviour change) scenario. As such, the course consists of an initial 7 modules of content, assessed in a mid-semester online test, followed by a practical assignment where students will train a person in a specific skill, and report on their objectives, processes and outcome measurements in a final report at the end of semester. An initial proposal will be submitted early in semester for the approval of the Examiner and Moderator before any behaviour modification takes place.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate:

  1. An understanding of the history, background and applications of learning and behaviour theory, associated research methods and measurement
  2. An understanding of classical conditioning in theory and practice
  3. An understanding of operant conditioning in theory and practice
  4. Knowledge of self-regulatory, social and vicarious learning models and applications
  5. Ability to apply learning and behaviour theory and techniques in practice to change and evaluate behaviour

Topics

Description Weighting(%)
1. Introduction - History, Theory, Research Methods and Measurement 10.00
2. Applications - CBT, specific clinical populations, Applied Behavioural Analysis and behaviour management 10.00
3. Classical Conditioning Theory and Applications 10.00
4. Operant Conditioning Theory and Applications 10.00
5. Observational and Social Learning, Self-Regulation, Schema, Individual Differences, Biological Preparedness 10.00
6. Applying theory and technique to a unique training situation to cause a change in behaviour 50.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Powell, R.A., Honey, P.L., & Symbaluk, D.G 2016, Introduction to Learning and Behavior, 5th edn, Wadsworth, Belmont CA.

Student workload expectations

To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.

Assessment details

Approach Type Description Group
Assessment
Weighting (%) Course learning outcomes
Assignments Written Planning document No 10 1,2,3,4,5
Assignments Written Report No 40 1,2,3,4,5
Assignments Written Quiz No 50 1,2,3,4,5
Date printed 10 February 2023