Main Content
Syllabus
Course Syllabus
SPLED 505: Single-Case Research (3): This is an advanced graduate course that introduces you to single-case research design and methodology. This course is designed to provide you with all the necessary tools needed to formulate questions that require repeated measures observation and analysis, including the use of visual and statistical analytic methods. Intro-subject experimental designs are discussed, with particular attention paid to repeated measures analysis of trends and level effect size changes, as well as supportive topics (e.g., observing and recording behavior, observer training and agreement, social validation).
Overview
Knowledge of the foundational and theoretical principles of applied behavior analysis is the basis of successful work as a practitioner in this field. This course covers the foundational underpinnings of the field of applied behavior analysis and serves as the base for future coursework. Content includes the goals and philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis as a science, the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis, the components of behavior, respondent and operant conditioning, and positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.
This course is delivered through a system of video-streamed lectures and text-based content, online practice activities and assignments, synchronous online seminars, asynchronous online communication between students and instructors (discussion forums), and online exams.
Certification as a BCBA
This course is part of a seven-course sequence designed to cover the content required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BACB, as part of its BCBA/BCaBA Task List (5th ed.) and standards, which go into effect in January 2022, requires (1) a graduate degree; (2) 21 credits (315 hours) of content-specific, graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis; (3) supervised fieldwork; and (4) satisfactory performance on a certification exam to become a BCBA.
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet all of the current BACB requirements for certification. Please visit the BACB’s website for detailed information about its certification process.
Course Objectives
The primary purpose of the 21-credit ABA program is to prepare you to meet the requirements for BCBA certification through the BACB. Thus, the course is designed to prepare you to master the content required by the BACB fifth edition Task List and to sit for the certification examination. As such, course content and evaluation methods have been designed to closely follow the content and evaluation methods used by the BACB. Therefore, many activities (both graded and ungraded) follow the multiple-choice format used by the BACB in its certification examination.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to accomplish the following tasks from the BACB’s fifth edition Task List:
| Task Code | Task Description |
|---|---|
| C-1 | Establish operational definitions of behavior. |
| C-2 | Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior. |
| C-3 | Measure occurrence (e.g., frequency, rate, percentage). |
| C-4 | Measure temporal dimensions of behavior (e.g., duration, latency, interresponse time). |
| C-5 | Measure form and strength of behavior (e.g., topography, magnitude). |
| C-6 | Measure trials to criterion. |
| C-7 | Design and implement sampling procedures (i.e., interval recording, time sampling). |
| C-8 | Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures. |
| C-9 | Select a measurement system to obtain representative data given the dimensions of behavior and the logistics of observing and recording. |
| C-10 | Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records). |
| C-11 | Interpret graphed data. |
| D-1 | Distinguish between dependent and independent variables. |
| D-2 | Distinguish between internal and external validity. |
| D-3 | Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication). |
| D-4 | Describe the advantages of single-subject experimental designs compared to group designs. |
| D-5 | Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion). |
| D-6 | Describe rationales for conducting comparative, component, and parametric analyses. |
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You can view the Online Students' Library Guide for more information.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and services. Once you have a Penn State account, you will automatically be registered with the library within 24–48 hours. If you would like to determine whether your registration has been completed, visit the Libraries home page and select My Account.
Technical Requirements
For this course we recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
| Help | If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the World Campus HelpDesk.
Course Schedule
- Course length: 16 Weeks
Important notes:
- Unless otherwise specified, all assignments and activities are due at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- CHH* refers to the textbook.
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Contact Information
- If you have a question about course content, assignments, or exams you should contact your instructor. When leaving a message or sending an e-mail, be sure to leave a phone number where the instructor can reach you. Please remember to contact faculty in a timely manner. Faculty may be out of town or unavailable to answer queries immediately, so contact faculty with questions well in advance of quiz or assignment due dates.
- If you have questions concerning your registration status, billing, tuition and fees, or the proctored exam process, contact World Campus Student Enrollment Services at 800-252-3592 or 814-865-5403 or by email at pennstateonline@psu.edu.
- If you have questions concerning the textbooks, contact Barnes and Noble College customer service at (908) 991-2665.
- If you have a question about technical difficulties, contact the World Campus HelpDesk online or by phone at 800-252-3592 or 814-865-0047.
- If you have questions concerning Penn State's ABA sequence, you may contact Dr. David Lee, the academic coordinator for the program, at 814-865-3567 or by email davidlee@psu.edu.
- If you would like information regarding the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or their certification process, please visit the BACB website.
Course Requirements
This course is divided into 9 lessons.
During each lesson you will be expected to do the following:
- View and read lesson content delivered through streaming video and/or online text.
- Complete the assigned readings from the textbook and/or articles and complete the associated reading discussion activity.
- Complete all self-checks and practice activities that are provided on the course website.
- Participate in the live online group seminar if applicable.
- Complete a graded assignment.
Reading Discussions
During each lesson you will post a response to discussion questions regarding the assigned readings. In addition, each student will respond to the main posts of at least two peers. Main posts should be a minimum of three sentences, while commentary posts do not have a minimum length requirement.
Self-Checks
For each lesson there are multiple self-check activities. Self-checks are integral components of the course; however, no points are earned for these activities. These activities have been designed to help you master the concepts presented in each of the lessons. The successful, serious student will take advantage of the self-checks in preparation for the graded assignments and exams.
Group Seminars
During each lesson we will hold a live group seminar online to discuss the content and readings. Seminars will be held at two different times each week, so you can choose the time that best fits into your schedule. You will be expected to participate in any five of these live online group seminars throughout the semester. Each seminar will also be recorded and posted online for anyone who wants to view them later, which is highly encouraged.
Graded Assignments
There are 9 graded assignments in this course. All assignments must be completed and submitted electronically through the course website. Each assignment is worth 9 points toward your final grade. Detailed descriptions of each assignment will be posted on the course website. Each assignment has a specific due date that is posted in the Course Schedule below.
Exams
There are two exams in this course, both of which will be taken online.. Exam 1 will cover Lessons 1 through 4 and will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions. Exam 2 will be cumulative (covering all lessons) with a heavier emphasis on Lessons 5 through 9 and will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. Each exam will be open for a specific window of time and should be completed at any time within that window. See the Course Schedule for exact dates.
Alternate exam dates may be assigned for students who have serious scheduling conflicts or medical/family emergencies. Please contact your instructor if you need to request an alternate exam date.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Research Proposal
For this requirement, you will write a 10-12 page proposal for a single-case design study. Please see the following rubric for specific components of the proposal.
A colleague will review and comment on your paper prior to the due date and you will also review and comment on a colleague’s paper. You have the option of making changes as suggested by your colleague.Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.
| Criteria | Points Possible |
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| Abstract | 5 |
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Statement of problem
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Review of literature regarding problem and intervention
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Research question(s)
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Description of participants and setting
| 5 |
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Description of data collection procedures
| 5 |
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Description of IOA and procedural integrity
| 5 |
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Description of intervention procedures
| 5 |
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Description of single-case design
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Anticipated results/implications
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APA format
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Grammar/spelling
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| Total | 60 |
Grading
- There are several orientation activities that need to be completed. These are worth 20 points.
- There are nine reading discussions worth five points each (45 total points).
- Attendance and participation at five group seminars is worth 10 points per seminar (50 total points).
- There are nine graded assignments worth 10 points each (90 total points).
- There are two exams. Exam 1 is worth 60 points. Exam 2 is worth 100 points (160 total points).
- There is one final paper, a research proposal, worth 60 points.
It is possible to earn a maximum of 425 points in this course. You should note that any delay in completion of assignments or exams might result in considerable delay in the issuance of a final grade.
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Activity
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Points
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| Orientation Activities |
20
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| Assignments |
90
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| Reading Discussions |
50
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| Group Seminars |
50
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| Exam 1 |
60
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| Exam 2 |
100
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| Final Paper | 60 |
| TOTAL POINTS |
430
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Letter Grade
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Percentage Range
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A
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94–100%
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A-
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90–93%
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B+
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87–89%
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B
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83–86%
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B-
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80–82%
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C+
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77–79%
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C
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70–76%
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D
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60–69%
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F
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59% or below
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Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
Statement of Ethical and Professional Conduct
While enrolled in this course and all graduate programs, individuals in the Applied Behavior Analysis program preparing to become behavior analysts are expected to adhere to the Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (22 PA Code 235). Copies of the Code are available at Pennsylvania Department of Education Website. The program faculty considers violations of the code to be serious and will implement sanctions, including course failure and/or expulsion from the program.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
University Policies
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.