BBP381 - Behaviour Assessment

Subject Title
Behaviour Assessment

Subject Description

This course introduces students to assessment methods for identifying skills strengths and deficits; and the occurrence of problem behaviour in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (Aba). Behaviour Assessment conducted prior to the development of an intervention plan is essential for optimum outcomes and as well follows ethical guidelines and best practice. Students will develop skills associated with selecting, conducting and understanding assessment methods and their results.

Credit Status
This is a required course in the Bachelors (Honours) in Behavioural Psychology.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.            Interpret the foundational documents (1) ONTABA Standards of Practice with particular emphasis on the Assessment Standard and (2) Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code
2.            Explain the role of a behaviour analyst as part of a multi-disciplinary team
3.            Explain the ethics of assessment and identify potential for risk of harm
4.            Identify and prioritize socially significant behaviour-change goals
5.            Describe the role of biological, psychological, sociological, and environmental variables that contribute to problem behaviour
6.            Identify and describe both indirect and direct methods of assessment
7.            Identify and describe the importance of collecting historical and personal information during indirect assessment
8.            Identify the components of an ecological assessment – a pre-requisite to teaching skills
9.            Describe and conduct assessments of relevant skills strengths and deficits
10.          Briefly compare and contrast preference assessments and determine which to use depending on client profile and how to interpret assessment results
11.          Describe and conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behaviour
12.          Interpret functional assessment data and link function to replacement skills
13.          Describe and design an experimental functional analysis of problem behaviour
14.          Compare and contrast assessment methods for a variety of client profiles

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.