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.

 

Faculty Members

Professors Jon Pinkston and Michael Amlung.

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.

 

Faculty Members

Professor Derek Reed

Concentrations