EDF5801 Research approaches in applied behaviour analysis
Faculty of Education
EDF5801 Research approaches in applied behaviour analysis is a level 5, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs EDF5686 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 288 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before EDF5801
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After EDF5801
1 unit list EDF5801 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in D6015/D6017 Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
Overview
This intensive unit introduces you to research practices in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), with a focus on planning a research project. Through sessions and online activities, you will learn to formulate effective research questions, explore a variety of research methodologies (including data collection strategies), and critically examine ethical considerations in applied research. You will review intervention-based methodologies commonly used in ABA and explore how quantitative and qualitative approaches—such as surveys and interviews—can enhance these interventions. This unit is a prerequisite for EDF5802 Research thesis in applied behaviour analysis. The assessment tasks will support the development of your own research plan using a selected methodology (e.g. single-case research, systematic review, experimental or quasi-experimental design).
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- Research proposal (2000 words or equivalent)Presentation25%
- Research portfolio (2000 words or equivalent)PortfolioCompetency hurdle25%
- Literature review (4000 words or equivalent)Written50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
critically analyse and synthesise contemporary research methodologies in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and related fields
- 2
formulate and justify research questions grounded in behavioural science and relevant literature
- 3
design a methodologically sound and ethically defensible research project
- 4
communicate complex research ideas and methodologies clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- 5
evaluate the implications of ethical frameworks and professional standards on research design and practice
- 6
integrate relevant theoretical and empirical literature to support the rationale for a proposed research project.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
- 26 hours over the course of the semester consisting of six 2-hour group tutorial sessions delivered weekly during the first six weeks of the semester, and
- 12 hours of group supervision.
- You will also receive 2 hours of individual supervision. The group supervision will be led by the unit coordinator and the individual supervision will be delivered by the sessional teaching associate. The remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study for you to complete your individualised research project.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Russ Fox
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Russ Fox
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5801?
You need EDF5686 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after EDF5801?
EDF5801 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EDF5802.
When is EDF5801 offered?
In 2026, EDF5801 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF5801?
The handbook expects about 288 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5801 have an exam?
No. EDF5801 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
More details
- Credit points
- 12
- Level
- 5
- Study level
- Postgraduate
- Faculty
- Faculty of Education
- Type
- Coursework
- EFTSL
- 0.250
- Student contribution
- SCA Band 4
- Study abroad
- Not available
- Handbook years
- 20262027