Module Code: H6LB
Long Title Learning and Behaviour
Title Learning and Behaviour
Module Level:  
EQF Level:  
EHEA Level:  
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Conor Nolan
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer with PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Exhibit an in-depth knowledge of the basic assumptions, concepts, and principles of the key psychological theories of learning and behaviour.
LO2 Reflect on the applications of theories of learning in understanding human behaviour in different contexts.
LO3 Describe and evaluate how the principles of both classical and operant conditioning can be used to explain and modify behaviour in a range of social and clinical settings
LO4 Critically appraise the interaction between research, theory and practice within the fields of behavioural psychology and behaviour analysis.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
A list of indicative topics is outlined below:
• Defining learning and theories of learning • Interaction between learning and behaviour • The rise of behaviourism • Watson’s methodological behaviourism • Classical conditioning theory • Application of classical conditioning theory • Skinner’s Radical behaviourism • Operant conditioning theory • Application of operant conditioning theory • Ethical considerations within behavioural psychology and behaviour analysis • Critical evaluation of behavioural theory
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Debate style essay. Students are provided with a debate topic relevant to behavioural psychology and are required to provide an answer, supporting one side or the other of the debate. Students are required to support their answer with reference to theory and research. 1000-1200 words.
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
MCQ – multiple choice question exam, based on all content from the module.
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Should students fail the module overall, they will be required to resubmit the failed components.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 24 Per Semester 2.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 101 Per Semester 8.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Rasmussen, E.B., Clay, C.J., Pierce, W.D. & Chesney, C.D.. (2022), ehavior Analysis and Learning: A Biobehavioral Approach, 7th Ed. Routledge.
  • Powell, Honey, Symbaluk,. (2022), Introduction to Learning and Behavior, 6thn Ed. Cengage Learning.
  • Guy R. Lefrancois. (2019), Theories of Human Learning: Mrs Gribbin's Cat, 7th Ed. Cambridge University Press..
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
  • Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • The Psychological Record.
  • The Analysis of Verbal Behavior.
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: