PSYC 320: Behavior Modification

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 03/16/2026

Course Description

This course introduces students to the application, implementation, measurement, and evaluation of behavior management techniques in various settings including hospitals, institutions, and schools.

Rationale

Behavior modification is the study of basic principles of behavior. Integral to this discipline is the examination of environmental events that impact human behavior. By exposing the students to the far-reaching principles of behavior modification, it is hoped they will attain a better understanding of the complexities of our human existence and be more able to help people cope with the many problems they face in life.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and presentations.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 2 Discussions throughout this course. The student must submit a thread of 300–500 words in response to the provided prompt. In addition to the thread, the student is required to submit replies of 150–250 words to 2 of his/her classmates’ threads. The student must use current APA formatting to cite the Bible and/or the textbook in his/her thread as it is called for within the prompt. Each thread should include at least 1 scholarly citation. For the replies, the student should include his/her biblical worldview along with at least 1 citation. A references section must be included. (CLO: B, C)

Behavior Modification Project: Research Paper Assignment

The student will write a 4-6 page, student APA formatted, research paper that will aid in his/her Behavior Modification Project. The paper will include a title page, 4-6 page body, and references page. The body of the paper should include an introduction, 2 sections with headings (research on the target behavior, and research on the target treatment) with optional subsections, and a conclusion. The student must reference the textbook and at least 6 additional peer-reviewed research journal articles. (CLO: A, B, C)

Behavior Modification Project: Baseline Phase Report Assignment

The student will provide a description, narrative of observations made during the baseline phase, and create a graph. The student will compile these items into a Word document. This assignment will be 1-3 pages in length. (CLO: A, B, C)

Behavior Modification Project: Treatment Phase Report Assignment

The student will submit a report including a description of the treatment, a narrative of the process, and a graph showing the results of the treatment phase. The graph should show both the baseline phase and the treatment phase with proper annotation. (CLO: A, B, C)

Behavior Modification Project: PowerPoint Assignment

The student will create a PowerPoint presentation of his/her Behavior Modification Project. The following 10 slides are needed: title page, introduction of behavior, literature review, baseline description, baseline graph, treatment method, treatment graph, summary of results, recommendations & limitations, and references. (CLO: A, B, C)

Quizzes (11)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 15-40 multiple-choice questions, and have either a 1 hour time limit or no time limit. (CLO: A, B)