Task List A: Philosophical Underpinnings

Question 1

When Marla opened the fridge it swang open due to the force she applied to the door
handle. The door swinging open is due to which of the following?
A. Determinism
B. Empiricism
C. Experimentation
D. Behavioral

Answer 1

A. Determinism
Explanation: Determinism refers to cause and effect, the door swung open only due to the force
she applied. Therefore; the cause and effect relationship is evident in the question. When you see
cause and effect (of if/then) you can decipher that determinism is in effect.

Question 2

When Doreen went in to observe little Johnny’s tantrum behaviors she took frequency
data to determine he engaged in tantrum-like behaviors 4 times during her 30 minute
observation period. This BEST describes which of the following 7 dimensions of ABA?
A. Effective
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptually systematic
D. Applied

Answer 2

B. Behavioral
Explanation: When referring to the behavioral dimension of ABA we want to consider what is
measurable and observable. This scenario indicates data was taken (measureable) on Johnny’s
observed behavior (observable).

Question 3

3. This occurs due to individual evolution, cultural evolution, and/or evolution of a species:
   A. Selectionism
   B. Darwinism
   C. Pragmatism
   D. Determinism

Answer 3

A. Selectionism
Explanation: Selectionism refers to how an individual changes due to their environment over
the course of their lifetime.

Question 4

When Lenny was working with a client he made sure to implement thorough assessment
procedures in order to gather enough information and data to decipher if the intervention
was working. This procedure can be BEST described through which of the following
philosophical assumptions of ABA?
A. Selectionism
B. Pragmatism
C. Conceptually systematic
D. Empiricism

Answer 4

D. Empiricism
Explanation: When referring to empiricism we want to look at what is regarded as fact based on
data and assessments.

Question 5

Amy is a behavior analyst who works primarily with young children with ASD. She is
working with one client in which she writes the procedures precisely with clearity so
that the RBT can follow the protocol without a hitch. Which of the 7 dimensions of
ABA does this BEST exemplify?
A. Determinism
B. Conceptually systematic
C. Applied
D. Technological

Answer 5

D. Technological
Explanation: Technological is a dimension of ABA that refers to procedures being written
precisely and clearly so that they can be easily understood, followed and replicated.

Question 6

Jerry a BCBA is working with his client Linda, he is taking data on out-of-seat behavior to
make measurable goals and criteria to reach in order to improve her behaviors of
sitting in her seat during lessons. Jerry is utilizing which of the 7 dimensions of ABA?
A. Conceptually systematic
B. Applied
C. Analytic
D. Behavioral

Answer 6

D. Behavioral
Explanation: The behavioral dimension of ABA refers to the ability to observe and measure
behaviors. In this scenario the behaviors are being observed and measured in order to target them
for change.

Question 7

When working with a child with ASD the practitioner is giving the client reinforcement in the
form of praise and smiles in order to increase behaviors of asking for a break using a break
card. Using GCSR is considered using which of the following?
A. Pragmatism
B. Selectionism
C. Radical behaviorism,
D. Habituation

Answer 7

A. Pragmatism
Explanation: Pragmatism is a philosophical assumption that refers to making PRACTICAL
decisions based on behavior change. We want to choose socially significant behaviors to change
as they are the most appropriate and practical for the client.

Question 8

Leslie is working with a client with ASD who is learning how to wear gloves in the winter to
keep warm. Many times when this program is run, she engages in tantrum-like behaviors.
Leslie did a number of observations and concluded that there was a functional relationship
between rainy days and her client’s compliance with wearing gloves. When it is raining out
her client will adhere to the program, when it is not raining she will engage in tantrum-like
behaviors.This BEST exemplifies which of the following 7 dimensions of ABA?
A. Behavioral
B. Applied
C. Analytic
D. Conceptually systematic

Answer 8

C. Analytic
Explanation: Analytic is a dimension of ABA that refers to the functional relationship between
the client and the behavior and/or the behavior change and the intervention.