Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations (A)

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to behavior analysis, as outlined in the BCBA Exam Review Study Guide.

What are the goals of behavior analysis as a science?

Description, prediction, and control.

What is 'Description' in behavior analysis?

Facts about the event or behavior that are observable and examinable.

What is 'Prediction' in behavior analysis?

Repeated observations show two events correlate with each other, suggesting possible causal relations without manipulation of variables.

What is 'Control' in behavior analysis?

A functional relation between the independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV), indicating mastery over a behavior.

What are the three types of selectionism?

Phylogenic, ontogenic, and cultural.

What does Determinism refer to in behavior analysis?

The belief that the universe is lawful and orderly, and that events happen for a reason.

What does Empiricism emphasize in behavior analysis?

Objective observation of events based on data.

What is Parsimony in the context of behavior analysis?

The principle that the simplest and most logical explanations should be considered first.

What is Pragmatism in behavior analysis?

Evaluating outcomes and procedures based on their results and usefulness.

What is Philosophical Doubt?

The practice of questioning established outcomes and results to seek better explanations.

What distinguishes Radical Behaviorism from other behavior theories?

It acknowledges private, internal events as behavior, in addition to observable public events.

What are examples of 'Private Events'?

Emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

What is the significance of Mentalisms in behavior analysis?

They include hypothetical constructs, explanatory fictions, and circular reasoning, which are not observable and can lead to faulty logic.

What is Behaviorism?

The guiding philosophy of behavior science focusing on the interaction between individuals and their environment.

Define Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB).

The study of behavior principles within a controlled experimental setting, not applied research.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applying behavior principles to research in real-world settings with human subjects.

What are the goals of behavior analysis as a science?

Description, prediction, and control.

What is 'Description' in behavior analysis?

Facts about the event or behavior that are observable and examinable.

What is 'Prediction' in behavior analysis?

Repeated observations show two events correlate with each other, suggesting possible causal relations without manipulation of variables.

What is 'Control' in behavior analysis?

A functional relation between the independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV), indicating mastery over a behavior.

What are the three types of selectionism?

Phylogenic, ontogenic, and cultural.

What does Determinism refer to in behavior analysis?

The belief that the universe is lawful and orderly, and that events happen for a reason.

What does Empiricism emphasize in behavior analysis?

Objective observation of events based on data.

What is Parsimony in the context of behavior analysis?

The principle that the simplest and most logical explanations should be considered first.

What is Pragmatism in behavior analysis?

Evaluating outcomes and procedures based on their results and usefulness.

What is Philosophical Doubt?

The practice of questioning established outcomes and results to seek better explanations.

What distinguishes Radical Behaviorism from other behavior theories?

It acknowledges private, internal events as behavior, in addition to observable public events.

What are examples of 'Private Events'?

Emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

What is the significance of Mentalisms in behavior analysis?

They include hypothetical constructs, explanatory fictions, and circular reasoning, which are not observable and can lead to faulty logic.

What is Behaviorism?

The guiding philosophy of behavior science focusing on the interaction between individuals and their environment.

Define Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB).

The study of behavior principles within a controlled experimental setting, not applied research.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applying behavior principles to research in real-world settings with human subjects.

What are the Seven Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

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

What does 'Applied' mean in the context of ABA?

Focuses on behaviors that are socially significant and immediately important to the individual.

What does 'Behavioral' mean in the context of ABA?

Focuses on observable and measurable behaviors, not on hypothetical constructs.

What does 'Analytic' mean in the context of ABA?

Demonstrates a functional relation between the intervention implemented and the behavior change observed.

What does 'Technological' mean in the context of ABA?

Procedures are described clearly and concisely enough for another trained professional to replicate them accurately.

What does 'Conceptually Systematic' mean in the context of ABA?

All procedures used are derived from basic principles of behavior analysis.

What does 'Effective' mean in the context of ABA?

Produces practical and significant improvements in the behavior targeted for intervention.

What does 'Generality' mean in the context of ABA?

The behavior change lasts over time, appears in different environments, or spreads to other behaviors not directly taught.