Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations

This concentration is for students interested in careers for which research and conceptual skills are prerequisites (e.g., science, technology, data analysis) and for students interested in graduate school in the behavioral sciences (e.g., behavior analysis, behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience) or for professional training (e.g., allied health, pharmacology, medicine). Although the area has two options, all students take courses on basic behavioral processes (ABSC 100/101), the application of these processes to socially relevant behavioral problems (ABSC 304), research methodology (ABSC 308), and contemporary empirical and theoretical issues in the behavioral sciences (ABSC 509). In addition, students will complete a two-semester hands-on practicum (ABSC 692 or ABSC 693). The practicum is usually taken in either basic research or conceptual foundations; however, in special cases, students may enroll in a one semester of each practicum, given that they have the prerequisites and instructor permission. Students complete the remainder of the ABS major requirements with electives, some of which may be research and graduate seminars.

BASIC RESEARCH OPTION

Students pursuing the basic research option learn about behavioral processes and research methods and acquire skills in the experimental analysis of behavior. Students completing this option complete a two-semester hands-on practicum in which they assist in the conduct of research on human or nonhuman behavioral processes. Students are involved in all aspects of the research endeavor, from conceptualization of problems to data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students pursuing this option are required to complete an introductory course in statistics.

Introductory Course (3 hrs)

ABSC 100           Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science (3) 

or

ABSC 101           Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science, Honors (3)

Core Knowledge Courses (10 hrs)

ABSC 304           Principles and Procedures of Behavior Modification and Therapy (3)

ABSC 308           Research Methods and Applications (4)

ABSC 509           Contemporary Behavioral Science (3)

Statistics (3 hrs)

PSYC 210/211    Statistics in Psychological Research/Honors (3)

Concentration Electives (at least 11 hrs)

Any junior-senior level ABSC courses, except those already required as introductory and core knowledge courses.  Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-699) do not count toward specialty area elective hours. The courses below are recommended; please see a specialty area advisor for more specific recommendations.  

ABSC 360           Drugs, Addiction, & Behavior (3)

ABSC 425           Teaching Apprenticeship in Applied Behavioral Science (3)

ABSC 470           Organizational Behavior Management (3)

ABSC 535           Developmental Psychopathology (3)

ABSC 565           Applied Developmental Psychology (3)

ABSC 599*^        Honors & Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science (1-5)

ABSC 632           Advanced Child Behavior and Development (3)

ABSC 671           Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

ABSC 735           Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct Observation (3)

ABSC 479*^        Study Abroad Topics (1-5)

ABSC 489*^        Directed Readings (1-3)

ABSC 499*^        Directed Research (1-3)

ABSC 799           Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)

ABSC 800           Conceptual Foundations in Applied Behavioral Science

* No more than 6 credit hours of these courses count toward ABS major hours.

^  Requires instructor permission.

Practicum (6-10 hrs)

Two semesters of practicum are required.  Practicum courses are offered for 3-6 credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters, and 3 hours during the summer session. The prerequisite is the permission of the supervisor, as space permits.

ABSC 692            Practicum in Basic Research (3-6)

Faculty Members

Professor Derek Reed

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION OPTION

Students pursuing the conceptual foundations option learn about contemporary conceptual issues in behavior analysis, its history and philosophy, and its relations with the behavioral, social, and cognitive sciences in general. As a result, they acquire skills in critical thinking about behavior and the behavior of scientists. Students who complete this option complete a two-semester practicum in which they read and research a relevant literature and write a paper that advances their understanding of the field.

Introductory Course (3 hrs)

ABSC 100           Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science (3)

or

ABSC 101           Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science, Honors (3)

Core Knowledge Courses (10 hrs)

ABSC 304           Principles and Procedures of Behavior Modification and Therapy (3)

ABSC 308           Research Methods and Applications (4)

ABSC 509           Contemporary Behavioral Science: Historical, Conceptual, and Comparative Foundations (3)

Statistics (3 hrs)

PSYC 210/211    Statistics in Psychological Research/Honors (3)

Required Concentration Course (3 hrs).

ABSC 800           Conceptual Foundations in Applied Behavioral Science (3)

Concentration Electives (at least 8 hrs)

Any junior-senior level ABSC courses, except those already required as introductory and core knowledge courses.  Additionally, practicum courses (ABSC 675-699) do not count toward specialty area elective hours. The courses below are recommended; please see a specialty area advisor for more specific recommendations.

ABSC 360           Drugs, Addiction, & Behavior (3)

ABSC 425           Teaching Apprenticeship in Applied Behavioral Science (3)

ABSC 470           Organizational Behavior Management (3)

ABSC 479*^        Study Abroad Topics (1-5)

ABSC 489*^        Directed Readings (1-3)

ABSC 499*^        Directed Research (1-3)

ABSC 535           Developmental Psychopathology (3)

ABSC 565           Applied Developmental Psychology (3)

ABSC 599*^        Honors & Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science (1-5)

ABSC 632           Advanced Child Behavior and Development (3)

ABSC 671           Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

ABSC 735           Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct Observation (3)

ABSC 799           Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)

* No more than 6 credit hours of these courses count toward ABS major hours.

^  Requires instructor permission.

Practicum (6-10 hrs)

Two semesters of practicum are required. Practicum courses are offered for 3-6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and 3 hours during the summer session. The prerequisite is the permission of the supervisor, as space permits.

ABSC 693           Practicum in Conceptual Foundations (3-6)

Faculty Members

Professor Derek Reed

Concentrations