Postgraduate - UnitEDF4603 - Behaviour change interventions for practitioners

This unit focuses on the principles and procedures of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in changing human behaviour. A range of behaviour change procedures to establish new behaviours, increase desirable behaviours and decrease undesirable behaviours are introduced. ABA typically employs single subject research methodology. This unit therefore introduces students to this technology, encompassing observational systems and single subject research designs. The unit also highlights the role of functional behavioural assessment procedures in the context of positive behaviour support (PBS) and the development of effective non-aversive behaviour reduction interventions. It outlines the basic issues in developing behaviour modification programs to change one's own behaviour: a process called self-management. The ethical and social validity issues around the implementation of behaviour change procedures are highlighted, specifically in relation to those involving interventions including aversive procedures.