| CODE | PSY2405 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Psychology of Learning for Health Carers | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The aim is to introduce the students to behaviorism and applied behaviour analysis within the context of learning and behaviour modification. Behaviorism: The aim of this part of the study-unit is to furnish students with a clear picture of the place behaviorism has in the discipline of psychology, in light of the different approaches in psychological theory. It will explore the development and contribution of behaviorism by focusing on the main proponents of the perspective. The study-unit will cover the various explanatory frameworks highlighted by these psychologists as well as the investigative approaches they have adopted. Applications to the various fields of health psychology will also be made. Students will be able to: - Understand the role behaviorism has played in the discipline of psychology - Be familiar with the perspectives highlighted by the main proponents of the paradigm - Understand the key concepts put forward by different behavioural theorists - Apply these key concepts to the various fields of psychology e.g. educational, clinical, organizational and developmental psychology - Understand the contribution of behaviourism in view of other major paradigms Tentative Study-unit Outline: Topics Covered include: - The development of behaviorism - philosophical/ historical roots - The early behaviorists - Classical conditioning and Operant reinforcement theory - Skinner's ABC - Schedules of reinforcement - Learned helplessness - Stimulus response theory (Miller and Dollard) - The fall of radical Behaviorism - Social learning theory - The cognitive revolution - Expectancy theory - Locus of control - The future of behaviorism - Definitions & historical overview of applied behaviour analysis - Measurement of behaviour and behaviour change. - Basic principles of behaviour modification. - Procedures to establish new behaviours. - Procedures to increase desirable behaviour and decrease undesirable behaviour. - Applications of behaviour modification: ethical issues and closure. Required Text: - Ormrod, J. (1999). Human learning.NJ: Prentice Hall Chapters 1- 7 - Miltenberger, R.G. (2004). Behaviour modification. (3rd Ed.). Wadsworth: Belmont CA Reading Pack Reading List: - Barker, L.M. (1997). Learning and behaviour: biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives. (2nd. ed.) N.J.: Englewood Cliffs. - Bowers, G. Hilgard, E. (1980). Theories of learning.NY: McGraw Hill - Buckley, K. (1989). Mechanical man:John Braodus Watson and the begininnings of behaviorism. NY: Guilford Press - Gage, N.L. & Berliner, D.C. (1992). Educational psychology. (4th. ed.) Boston: Houghton Mifflin. - Gredler, M.E. (1997). Learning and instruction: theory into practice. (2nd. ed.) N.J.: Prentice Hall. - Hergenhahn, B.R. & Olson, M.H. (1997). An introduction to theories of learning. (5th ed.) N.J.: Prentice Hall. - http://www.aabt.org/ http://www.americanacademyofbehavioralpsychology.org |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This study-unit is only offered to HSC students for whom it is compulsory. Note: Please note that the topics from this study-unit will be included in the final assessment of PSY3400. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Roberta Farrugia Debono |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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