SAFMED Course One

Week One

A.1 Description

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

A.1 Prediction

Repeated observations reveal that two events consistently covary 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; this alone cannot demonstrate functional relations since no variables are manipulated; but can suggest possibility of casual relations to be explored.

A.1 Control

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

A.2 Selectionism

A theory that all forms of life naturally and continually evolve as a result of the interaction between function and the survival value of that function

A.2 Determinism

The assumption that the universe is a lawful and orderly place in which phenomena occur in relation to other events and not in a willy-nilly, accidental fashion.

A.2 Empiricism

The practice of objective observation and measurement of the phenomena of interest

A.2 Parsimony

Requires that all simple, logical explanations for the phenomenon under investigation be ruled out before more complex or abstract explanations are considered.

A. 2 Pragmatism

A philosophical position asserting that the truth value of a statement is determined by how well it promotes effective action; pragmatism is a primary criterion by which behavior analysts judge the value of their findings.