In this course you will encounter firsthand the basic theories, principles and even some applications from the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. You will be introduced to the historical underpinnings of modern theories on learning and conditioning, as well as important applications demonstrating how knowledge of these concepts and theories help both humans and animals in our daily lives.
As a result of this class you should develop an understanding of the roles that consequences and the scheduling of consequences on acquisition, maintenance and structure play in the behavior of human and nonhuman organisms. The course emphasizes both the mechanisms and theories surrounding how consequences select and shape behavior, with an emphasis on methodology, measurement and quantification of behavior as a means of explaining underlying mechanisms.
This course is structured so that you will find we move from a basic introduction to historical theories of classical and operant conditioning to the more cognitive and biological aspects of conditioned behavior. We will discuss applications of these theories throughout the course, as well as discuss ethical issues surrounding learning and conditioning techniques for both human and animal behavior. Both lecture and the textbook play an integral guide for you in this course. The book includes a study guide as the second third of the book. Some assignments will utilize the study guide resource, while others may involve reading an original source provided to you online. PLEASE keep this syllabus; it contains reading assignments, test dates
Dr. Farmer-Dougan’s Office Hours:
My office is DeGarmo 460.
My office phone is 438-4554. I am rarely in my office, but you may leave a message and I will call you back.
Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:30, or by appointment. Online or in-person appointments may be made as necessary.
Goals for the Psy 462: Experimental Analysis of Behavior: As a result of completing the course, the student will be able to:
Explain how this branch of contemporary learning theory is related to selected historical traditions in experimental psychology
Explain how the style of theory that most often has been used in the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), especially but not limited to the “operationalist” approach to psychological concepts
Explain how the “inductive” style of constructing research programs, and reasons why hypothetico-deductive approaches are not favored in EAB
Explain The general principles of operant learning, especially “selection by consequences” at it applies at each of several levels of analysis
Explain how complex topics fit into a contingency framework.
Compare and contrast the various experimental methods used in the field of experimental analysis of behavior, especially the observational technique, single versus group designs, and comparative animal models;
Obtain a sound foundation in the field of experimental analysis of behavior through the tracing of the evolution of theories in such areas as classical and instrumental conditioning, choice and optimality models, stimulus control, schedules of reinforcement; and complex behavior systems;
Become familiar with the ethics involved in research with human and animal subjects and the legal and moral responsibilities of those working with human and nonhuman subjects;
Understand the ecological dynamics of the individual organism within its environment.
Required Text:
There is no required text, and we will rely on the readings outlined below. If you have not had an undergraduate basic learning course, are very rusty, or just plain forgot that Pavlov and Skinner stuff, you may want to borrow a learning text such as Mazur’s Learning and Behavior, 4th Edition.
Class activities and Grading
Participation: 100 points
Study Questions:
You will be responsible for handing out a list of questions for students to answer and discuss the class before your class discussion session. During the actual class period you will be responsible for presenting critical information from the article (this can be in the form of lecture, a handout, powerpoint presentation, video, etc.) and then will lead students in the discussion.
Participation in Class Discussions:
Some of our material is dry and “ academic”, other papers are fun and invigorating. We will work our way through both types as a group. As a result, it is expected that you will participate through answering questions, adding to discussion points and generally being an active participant in class.
Essay Exams:
This class will have three “take-home” essay exams. These essay exams will allow you to demonstrate the ability to synthesize and use the information. While no cumulative tests are given, you will find that if you understand the previous information, learning new information will become increasingly easier- so—DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET BEHIND!!!!!
Each take home exam will be worth 100 points. Each exam will consist of 4 essay questions, worth 25 points each. Essay questions will entail synthesis and application of material learned up to that point, but the focus will be on the information learned since the last essay exam. The test is open book/open notes (that is, I assume you will use your book and notes). While students may work together to answer the questions, EACH STUDENT MUST WRITE THEIR OWN ANSWER (no group answers will be accepted). Due dates for the take-home exams are given in the lecture schedule. Exams will be distributed in class at least one week before they are due.
Take home exams are due by 11:59 pm on the due date.
Paper:
The paper will be worth a total of 100 points. The paper will be a literature review on a topic in learning of your/my choice. I highly encourage you to pick a topic near and dear to your “heart” (like- your thesis topic) and tie the learning theories into that topic. Topics can include both theoretical, basic research, and applied areas. A handout will be distributed in class specifically outlining the requirements for the paper. I am more than happy to discuss your paper topic with you!!
Final Grades:
Grades will be based on the following:
Tests (100 points each)
300 points
Class participation
100 points
Review Paper
100 points
Final grades will be point based. Grades will be assigned for points earned as follows:
A
450-500
B
400-449.99
C
350-399.99
D
300-.49.99
F
299.99 or below
Academic Dishonesty
Any cheating will not be tolerated.Cheating or plagiarism will result in an F in the course and referral to the Student Code Enforcement Review Board (SCERB) for disciplinary action.
Cheating INCLUDES (but is not limited to): plagiarism of both published and unpublished written work, having another individual take or assist you with an online exam, taking an exam for or assisting another individual with an online quiz, performing or completing a class assignment or quiz for another individual or having another individual perform or complete a class assignment or quiz for you. Cheating is thus defined generally as representing work that is NOT your own as your work or allowing your work to be represented as another’s’ so that individual receives academic credit.
Violators of this policy will receive a failing grade on that assignment or quiz, a possible failing grade for the course, and referral to the department chair and the SCERB for disciplinary action.
Special Problems
If you have a disability, if English is your second language, or need other special considerations, please see me as soon as possible (that’s before the first test!) to work out any special arrangements that might be needed. If you fail a test, please see me as soon as possible. I cannot help you if you do not contact me for help!
Please Note: According to University Guidelines: Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD). They are there to ensure that you receive the help you need!!
Weekly Schedule
Outlined below are the reading assignments and lecture topics by lecture day. Please note that these are subject to change. Watch the website and listen for class announcements regarding changes. You will be held responsible for any changes to due dates or reading assignments.
WEEK OF:
LECTURE TOPIC Tues.: Video lecture Thurs: Zoom discussion