Chapter 1- Definition and Characteristics of ABA

Question 1

What is the overall purpose of science?

Answer 1

Overall goal is to achieve a thorough understanding of a phenomenon.

Question 2

Description as a purpose of science

Answer 2

Systematic observations that enable us to describe the event. Events can be quantified, classified, and examined for possible relations.

Question 3

What type of knowledge is obtained from description?

Answer 3

These studies tend to lead to research questions or hypotheses.

Question 4

Prediction as a purpose of science

Answer 4

Repeated observations reveal a correlation, can suggest causal relation.

Question 5

Control as a purpose of science

Answer 5

Highest level of scientific understanding. From here we can determine functional relations.

Question 6

Determinism

Answer 6

Universe is lawful and orderly place where all phenomenon occur as the result of other events.

Question 7

Empiricism

Answer 7

The practice of objective observations and measurement of the phenomenon.

Question 8

Experimentation

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Replication

Answer 9

Repeating experiments to determine reliability and usefullness.

Question 10

Parsimony

Answer 10

All simple and logical explanations need to be ruled out before more complex explanations are considered.

Question 11

Philosophical doubt

Answer 11

Continually question the truthfulness of what is regarded as fact.

Question 12

Assumptions and Attitudes of Science

Answer 12

Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, Philosophical Doubt.

Question 13

What type of Behaviorism did Skinner study?

Answer 13

Stimulus- Response Behaviorism. Stated proper subject matter was not thoughts and feelings but observable bx.

Question 14

Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Answer 14

Brought respondent and operant bx to light.

Question 15

Radical Behaviorism

Answer 15

Goal is to seek and understand all human behavior including mental processes.

Question 16

JABA 1968

Answer 16

Kicked off the start of ABA as we know it with the seven dimensions.

Question 17

Seven Dimensions of ABA

Answer 17

Generality, Effective, Technological, Applied, Conceptually Systematic, Analytic, Behavioral

Question 18

Generality

Answer 18

Last over time, environments, spreads to other behaviors.

Question 19

Effective

Answer 19

The observed behavior reaches a socially significant level.

Question 20

Technological

Answer 20

All procedures are identified and described with sufficient detail and clarity.

Question 21

Applied

Answer 21

Selecting behaviors to change that are socially significant to the client.

Question 22

Conceptually Systematic

Answer 22

The procedures for changing bx should be described in terms of relevant principles from which they were derived.

Question 23

Analytic

Answer 23

Experimenter can demonstrate a functional relation.

Question 24

Behavioral

Answer 24

The bx must be in need of improvement, must be measurable. Also important to note whose behavior is changing.

Question 25

Other Characteristics of ABA (There 5 listed)

Answer 25

Accountable, Public, Doable, Empowering, Optimistic

Question 26

Definition of ABA

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Methodological Behaviorism

Answer 27

Private events occur but are not the driving force of bx. If they can’t be observed, it is outside the realm of science.

Question 28

Mentalism

Answer 28

Emotion and thought processes drive behavior.

Question 29

Explanatory Fiction

Answer 29

A hypothetical variable that takes forms to explain but contributes nothing for why a behavior happened. Ex. intelligence or cognitive awareness.

Question 30

Functional Analysis

Answer 30

1. Demonstrates a functional relation
2. Experimentally arranging antecedents and consequences so that their separate effects on the behavior can be observed and measured.

Question 31

Hypothetical Constructs

Answer 31

A presumed but unobserved process of entity. Ex. the mind