Chapter 1- Definition and Characteristics of ABA Flashcards
What is the overall purpose of science?
Overall goal is to achieve a thorough understanding of a phenomenon.
Description as a purpose of science
Systematic observations that enable us to describe the event. Events can be quantified, classified, and examined for possible relations.
What type of knowledge is obtained from description?
These studies tend to lead to research questions or hypotheses.
Prediction as a purpose of science
Repeated observations reveal a correlation, can suggest causal relation.
Control as a purpose of science
Highest level of scientific understanding. From here we can determine functional relations.
Determinism
Universe is lawful and orderly place where all phenomenon occur as the result of other events.
Empiricism
The practice of objective observations and measurement of the phenomenon.
Experimentation
Controlled comparison of some measure of interest under two or more conditions. The functional analysis derived from this can inform the BCBA if the treatment is effective.
Replication
Repeating experiments to determine reliability and usefullness.
Parsimony
All simple and logical explanations need to be ruled out before more complex explanations are considered.
Philosophical doubt
Continually question the truthfulness of what is regarded as fact.
Assumptions and Attitudes of Science
Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, Philosophical Doubt.
What type of Behaviorism did Skinner study?
Stimulus- Response Behaviorism. Stated proper subject matter was not thoughts and feelings but observable bx.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Brought respondent and operant bx to light.
Radical Behaviorism
Goal is to seek and understand all human behavior including mental processes.
JABA 1968
Kicked off the start of ABA as we know it with the seven dimensions.
Seven Dimensions of ABA
Generality, Effective, Technological, Applied, Conceptually Systematic, Analytic, Behavioral
Generality
Last over time, environments, spreads to other behaviors.
Effective
The observed behavior reaches a socially significant level.
Technological
All procedures are identified and described with sufficient detail and clarity.
Applied
Selecting behaviors to change that are socially significant to the client.
Conceptually Systematic
The procedures for changing bx should be described in terms of relevant principles from which they were derived.
Analytic
Experimenter can demonstrate a functional relation.
Behavioral
The bx must be in need of improvement, must be measurable. Also important to note whose behavior is changing.
Other Characteristics of ABA (There 5 listed)
Accountable, Public, Doable, Empowering, Optimistic
Definition of ABA
The science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant bx. Experimentation is used to identify variables responsible for bx change.
Methodological Behaviorism
Private events occur but are not the driving force of bx. If they can’t be observed, it is outside the realm of science.
Mentalism
Emotion and thought processes drive behavior.
Explanatory Fiction
A hypothetical variable that takes forms to explain but contributes nothing for why a behavior happened. Ex. intelligence or cognitive awareness.
Functional Analysis
- Demonstrates a functional relation
- Experimentally arranging antecedents and consequences so that their separate effects on the behavior can be observed and measured.
Hypothetical Constructs
A presumed but unobserved process of entity. Ex. the mind
