Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will focus on the principles and procedures of behaviour modification in changing human behaviour. A range of behaviour change procedures to establish new behaviours, to increase desirable behaviours, and decrease undesirable behaviours will be studied. The characteristics of functional analysis as a bridge between effective assessment and intervention procedures will be considered. Psychological change interventions from behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies will be compared and investigated. This unit will also introduce the basic issues in developing behaviour modification programs to change one's own behaviour: a process called self-management.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will have a clear understanding of the basic principles underlying behaviour modification, and the procedures to establish new behaviours; studied a range of behaviour change interventions derived from behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies; gained applied knowledge and skill development of observational systems and experimental design for the assessment and treatment of problem behaviours; considered key theoretical issues surrounding behavioural modification; and acquired a greater understanding of the social, legal and ethical context of behavioural treatment.

Assessment

Case Study: Behaviour Change Program (1,500 words): 40%; and Essay (2,500 words): 60 %.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Angelika Anderson

Contact hours

12 Hours per week (One 2 hour lecture per week)

Prerequisites

Successful completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) - accredited major sequence in psychology

Prohibitions

PSY4513