02 Definition and Characteristics / 02.02 Mentalism vs Environment

Question 1

When developing a behavioral technology, you

Answer 1

determine whether a treatment package gets results.

Malott & Suarez (2004, pp. 328-329) describe behavioral technology as the development and evaluation of a treatment package. The package is evaluated for efficacy, but not necessarily each component and it is not necessarily compared to other technologies (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 166). Note, of course, that technology does not have to involve computers or modern electronics, as is the popular use of the term.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the experimental analysis of behavior?

Answer 2

It requires continuous observation.
It seldom provides readily applicable solutions to important problems.
It is a method for study in natural environments. **
It has its theoretical underpinnings in behaviorism.

Question 3

Applied behavior analysis

Answer 3

Applied behavior analysis (a) addresses only behavior issues that are important to the individual or society, (b) has its underlying philosophy in behaviorism, and (c) uses a variety of measurement strategies. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 1987, p. 5; Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 16)

Question 4

A teacher combines a variety of empirically validated strategies to form her own behavior management system. This is best characterized as

Answer 4

a behavioral technology.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines technology as “the practical application of knowledge.” For example, applying Skinner’s verbal analysis of behavior to teach children with autism communication skills is a technology. Similarly, this computer program is a technology due to its application of behavioral principles to teach. Note that technology does not have to involve computers or modern electronics, as is the popular use of the term.

Question 5

Which is a environmental account? “The eating disorder

Answer 5

asked to do certain things.”

Causal status is erroneously suggested by the mentalistic terms “wanting,” “doesn’t want,” and “anger.” Pointing out an antecedent event (i.e., asked to do certain things) that precedes aggression is an environmental account. To make the others behavioral accounts, you would need to (a) operationally define the terms, and (b) unless experimental control is established, use them in a manner that implies only a correlation-not a causal relation. For example, “aggression follows anger, defined as yelling, stomping, and refusing,” would be an environmental account. “Follows” only denotes a temporal relation-not a causal one. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 12; Johnston & Pennypacker, 1993a, pp. 5-6; Skinner, 1974)

Question 6

Which term is likely to be associated with a behavioral explanation?

resolve
strength of character
actions
desire

Answer 6

actions

Question 7

Mentalistic explanations include actions involving
	physical phenomena.
	the environment.
	the mind.
	brain activity.

Answer 7

the mind.

Question 8

The experimental analysis of behavior is characterized by
application of laboratory findings to social problems.
research exclusively on humans.
basic research.
seeking solutions to human problems.

Answer 8

basic research.

Question 9

Which term is likely to be associated with a behavioral explanation?
statements
	feelings
	thoughts
	attitudes

Answer 9

statements

Question 10

Research on basic principles characterizes
the experimental analysis of behavior.
B. F. Skinner’s work with human subjects.
applied behavior analysis.
(all of the others)

Answer 10

the experimental analysis of behavior.

Question 11

Which exemplifies a technology? A reading program
designed to investigate how students learn to read.
for which some elements have been experimentally evaluated.
that uses computer technology.
that has been experimentally demonstrated to improve reading.

Answer 11

that has been experimentally demonstrated to improve reading.

Question 12

Applied behavior analysis
provides the foundation upon which the experimental analysis of behavior was developed.
was defined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968).
was defined by Skinner (1953).
ignores conceptual issues.

Answer 12

was defined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968).

The dimensions of applied behavior analysis were outlined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in the first edition of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. One of the dimensions is relating phenomena in a conceptually systematic fashion. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 1987, p. 5; Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 16)

Question 13

Mentalism interferes with the search for
	controlling antecedents.
	controlling motivations.
	theories.
	the mind.

Answer 13

controlling antecedents.

A mentalistic explanation is an explanation of cause-an event within the mind that causes a behavior. If this is accepted, there is no further need for inquiry. Hence, there is no need to seek other controlling antecedent influences. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 5; Skinner, 1974)

Question 14

Which is devoid of mentalistic accounts? “The eating disorder
followed the rape and subsequent reports of irrational fears.”
is caused by negative self-statements that she said only to herself.”
is the result of unconscious depressive thoughts.”
started with the emotional trauma of having been attacked.”

Answer 14

followed the rape and subsequent reports of irrational fears.”

Question 15

Which exemplifies basic science? A reading program
that has been experimentally demonstrated to improve reading.
that focuses on teaching reading skills.
for which the entire package has been experimentally evaluated.
designed to investigate how students learn.

Answer 15

designed to investigate how students learn.

Question 16

Which is devoid of mentalistic terminology? “Studying increased
due to the realization that failure was imminent if she didn’t study.”
due to the increased anxiety of not being prepared.”
as a result of saying self-imposed rules on when and where to study.”
as a result of making a commitment to study.”

Answer 16

as a result of saying self-imposed rules on when and where to study.”

Question 17

Which is a behavioral account? “Less mouthing occurs
when she knows punishment is forthcoming for mouthing.
when she wants to hold other objects.”
when she is given objects to hold.”
when she wants reinforcement obtainable by manipulating objects.

Answer 17

when she is given objects to hold.”

Question 18

Which contribution can be directly attributed to the experimental analysis of behavior?
the distinction between respondent and operant behavior.
computer-based training.
the distinction between determinism and free will.
precision teaching.

Answer 18

the distinction between respondent and operant behavior.

The experimental analysis of behavior focuses on discovering principles under very controlled conditions. For example, B. F. Skinner identified the distinction between respondent and operant behavior. Application of basic principles to human social issues is applied behavior analysis. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 1987, pp. 8-12; Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, pp. 10-11)

Question 19

Which is devoid of mentalistic terminology? “I control my behavior

by establishing rules and providing consequences."
through will power, rules, and consequences."
by being mindful of rules and consequences."
(One cannot control their behavior.)

Answer 19

by establishing rules and providing consequences.”

Question 20

A mentalistic explanation
	alludes to events that are neither observable nor measurable.
	is often metaphorical.
	is exemplified by the "mind."
	(all of the others)

Answer 20

All others

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of applied behavior analysis?
It addresses only important pathological behavior.
It uses measurement strategies other than automated measurement.
It has its theoretical underpinnings in behaviorism.
It has significance to the participants.

Answer 21

It addresses only important pathological behavior.