BCBA Task list A (6th edition)

Description

A collection of facts about the observed events that can be quantified, classified, and examined for possible relations with other known facts. It often suggests possible hypothesis of questions for additional research

Prediction

Repeated observations reveal that two events consistently co-vary with each other.

This correlation can be used to predict the relative probability that one event will occur based on the presence of another event; but can suggest possibility of causal relations to be explored; this enables preparation

Control

The highest level of understanding of functional relations-manipulation of independent variables can be used to produce a reliable change in dependent variable that is unlikely the result of extraneous (confounding) variables.

Selectionism

B.F. Skinner: There are 3 ways the environment can apply itself upon a living being; phylogenetic, ontogenetic, and cultural

Ontogenetic

This refers to how the environment changes an individual over his or her lifetime.

Phylogenetic

Natural evolution of a species (aka Darwinism). By a natural process of survival characteristics by its predecessors.

A discipline in biology that is the study of the evolutionary history of groups of organisms.

Cultural

Passing behavior from one person to another by imitating and modeling.

Determinism

The universe is a lawful and orderly place in which all phenomena occur as the result of other events.

NOT fatalism-fatalistic events

NOT accidentalism: events occur by accident

Empiricism

The study of phenomena with objective observations that are not based on biases or hunches, but rather are based on data.

Parsimony

All simple, logical explanations for phenomena must be ruled out before more complex or abstract explanations are considered

Pragmatism

Philosophical assumption that underlies the science of behavioral analysis

Focusing on interventions that are effective in achieving the desired outcomes

Philosophical doubt

Philosophical assumption that underlies the science of behavioral analysis continually questioning the truthfulness of what is regarded as fact; healthy level of skepticism

Radical behaviorism

School of thought pioneered by B.F. Skinner argues that behavior, rather than mental states, should be the focus of study in psychology. It attempts to explain all behavior, including private behavior (i.e., thoughts and feelings).

Behaviorism

Philosophy of the science of behavior. It emphasizes objective methods of investigation and is rooted in the assumption that behavior results from interactions between the environment and individual variables (such as prior learning history).

Experimental analysis of behavior

Basic research; used single-subject lab studies. Analysis of operant behavior "with its unique relation to the environment presents a separate important field of investigation"

Applied Behavior Analysis

The science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify variables responsible for behavior change

Professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis

The delivery of interventions to consumers that are guided by the principles of behaviorism and the research of both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis.

This practice seeks maximum precision to change behavior most effectively in specific instances

Applied

Positively changes socially significant behaviors (in areas of social, language, academic, daily living, self-care, vocational, and/or recreation and leisure) to enhance and improve life.

Behavioral

Observable and measurable behaviors are targeted. Selecting the correct behavior; behavior must be measurable; when behavior changes, must determine if the subject's behavior are changed or if the observer or other participant's behavior changed

Analytic

Decisions are data-based. Demonstrates experimental control over the occurrence and non-occurrence of the behavior (a functional relation is demonstrated

Technological

Procedures are described clearly and concisely so that others may implement them accurately. Written description of all procedures in the study is sufficiently complete and detailed to enable others to replicate it

Conceptually systematic

Procedures for changing behavior and any interpretations of how or why those producers were effective should be described in terms of the relevant principle(s) from which they derived

Effective

Interventions are monitored to evaluate the impact on the target behavior. Improves sufficiently to produce practical results for the participant.

Generality

Produces behavior changes that last over time, appear in other environments, or spread to other behaviors