Lecture 1 - Skepticism and Defining Behaviour Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Science?
Systematic approach for seeking and organizing knowledge
What is the purpose of Science?
To achieve a thorough understanding
What does science seek to discover?
Meaningful relations
What is ABA’s focus?
Socially important behaviours
What are the 3 levels of understanding science?
Description, Prediction, Control
What is Description?
Facts about observed events that can be quantified, classified and examined for possible relations with other known factors
What is Prediction?
The relative probability that when one event occurs, another event will or will not occur
What is Control?
Allows functional relations to be derived (DV and IV)
What is Philosophic Doubt?
Continuous questioning of truthfulness and validity of scientific theory and knowledge
What is Psuedoscience?
It is often besed on case studies
May critize the scientific merit of studies
What is an Operational Definition?
it identifies and defines target behaviour and identifies factors that may inform or influence intervention
What does a function-based definition include?
Responses based on their common effect on the environment
What does a Topography-based definition include?
Responses based on their form or shape
Name three characteristics of a good operational definition
Objective
Clear
Complete
Why are operational definitions required?
For replication/research
Validity of results
Agreement between observers
