Tasklist A Flashcards
(35 cards)
Define ABA
A science based on the use of learning principles to improve socially important behavior.
Define Science
An organized approach for collecting knowledge and understanding about the natural world.
What are the 3 levels of scientific understanding?
Description, prediction, control
Define description
Facts that are derived from systematically observed events that can be quantified and classified that can help us identify a hypothesis for further exploration. #objective
Define Prediction
When repeated observations show that there is a consistent relationship between the occurrence of 2 events. This relationship can be used to predict the probability of 1 event occurring when the other event occurs. #correlation #covariation
Define Control
A functional relation is established when science confirms what has been predicted: an experimental demonstration that manipulating 1 event (IV) results in a change another event (DV), and this change can only be attributable to the independent variable.
What are the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis?
Parsimony
Selectionism
Determinism
Empiricism
Experimentation
Replication
Philosophical Doubt
Pragmatism
Define Parsimony
Reliance on the simplest theory requiring the fewest assumptions. Before considering more complex explanations, you must 1st rule out the simple and logical explanations.
Define Selectionism
Selection by consequences. The scientific belief that anything that evolves does so due to the consequences of behavior.
Define Determinism
The world is an orderly, predictable, and lawful place, where everything is cause and effect; if/then conditions.
#Lawful # Cause&Effect
Define Empiricism
The act of objective observation and measurement.
Empiricism = evidence = data = facts
Define Experimentation
Controlled comparison of the DV under 2 or more conditions (IVs). Requires manipulating variables so as to see the effects on the DV.
(AKA: Experimental Analysis)
Define Replication
Repeating experiments. Experiments should be repeated to determine the reliability and usefulness of their findings.
Define Pragmatism
A practical approach to problems in which truth is found in the process of verification.
# PRAGtical
Define Philosophical Doubt
Question the truth. Being open to being wrong.
#HealthySkepticism #BULLSHITDETECTOR
Define Mentalism
Explains the behavior through assumptions about the existence of an inner and mental dimension as the cause of the behavior. Reliance on hypothetical construct, explanatory fiction, and circular reasoning.
Define Hypothetical Construct
A presumed, but unobserved, process.
EXAMPLE: Jimmy learned his colors receptively because he is very intelligent.
Define Explanatory Fiction
A mythical explanation for a behavior that is another name for the observed behavior.
EXAMPLE: Jimmy is using his words so much better today because he knows you are watching him.
Define Circular Reasoning
The cause and effect are both inferred from the same info.
EXAMPLE: Can’t read ———— learning disability ———— can’t read
Who founded Radical Behaviorism?
B.F. Skinner
Define Radical Behaviorism
Includes private events into the understanding of behavior
Who founded Methodological Behaviorism?
John B. Watson
Define Methodologcial Behaviorism
Only looks at publicly observable events in their analysis of behavior. Not concerned with private events.
What are the 4 branches of behavior analysis?
Behaviorism, Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Professional Practice Guided by the Science of Behavior Analysis
