A1- Goals of Behavior Analysis as a Science

Question 1

Description

Answer 1

Collection of facts that observed events that can be quantified, classified and examined for possible relations with other known facts

Question 2

Prediction

Answer 2

1. Relative probability that when one event occurs, another event will or will not occur.
2. Demonstrates correlation between events, No causal relationship can be interpreted.

Question 3

Control

Answer 3

1. Highest level of scientific understanding
2. Functional relations can be derived
3. Can bring about specific change in an event (DV) which can be reliably produced by manipulating another event (IV)

Question 4

Independent Variable

Answer 4

The variable that is being systematically manipulated by the researcher in an experiment

Question 5

Dependent Variable

Answer 5

The variable that is being measured in an experiment to determine if its changes as a result of manipulation of independent variable

Question 6

Confounding Variable

Answer 6

An uncontrolled factor known or suspected to exert influence on the dependent variable

Question 7

Philosophical Construct

Answer 7

A presumed but unobserved process or

entity (e.g) Freud’s id, ego, and superego)

Question 8

Science

Answer 8

A systematic approach to the understanding of natural phenomena (as evidenced by description, prediction, and control)
that relies on determinism as it fundamental assumption, empiricism as its primary rule, experimental as its basic strategy,
replication as a requirement for believability, parsimony as a value, and philosophic doubt as its guiding conscience.