Task List Reference: A-2

Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Unearthing the Bedrock of Scientific Inquiry with this Key Philosophical Assumption

Bedrock of Scientific Inquiry

What is the fundamental philosophical assumption of science? PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the crucial role of objective observation and measurement in shaping our understanding of behavior and how it forms the foundation of this evidence-based scientific field.

Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Put Your ABA Knowledge to the Test ➠ Identifying the Attitude of Science

Put Your #ABA Knowledge to the Test: Identifying the Attitude of Science

Test your ABA terminology knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses one of the six attitudes of science that focuses on data-based decision-making, explaining how this attitude emphasizes our reliance on facts and objective quantification.

Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Fact It to the Max: Philosophical Assumptions & Data-Driven Decisions

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the potency of data-driven practices, objective observation, measurement, and experimentation in our scientific approach. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the potency of data-driven practices, objective observation, measurement, and experimentation in our scientific approach.

Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Dana Do’s: What’s the Difference Between Pragmatism and Determinism?

ABA terms you need to know: pragmatism vs. determinism

PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a relatable cause-and-effect scenario that helps discriminate between determinism and pragmatism.

Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Dana Do’s: What Do Philosophical Assumptions Got To Do With It?

It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that's actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that’s actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam.

Determinism

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that the world is an orderly, predictable, and lawful place where all events occur as a product of cause and effect.

Empiricism

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that knowledge is built on objective observation and measurement (data).

Parsimony

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that the simplest theory requiring the fewest assumptions must be ruled out before considering more complex explanations.

Pragmatism

ABA terms you need to know: pragmatism.

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that focuses on practical solutions (e.g., if it works, don’t fix it), which at the level of behavior, involves the relation …

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Selectionism

ABA terms you need to know: selectionism.

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that anything that evolves does so because of the consequences of behavior, meaning that behaviors that result in positive consequences survive …

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Experimentation

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that a controlled comparison of the dependent variable under two or more conditions (independent variables) is required to assess if one …

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Replication

A philosophical assumption underlying the science of behavior analysis that experiments should be repeated to determine the reliability and usefulness of their findings and to discover and correct mistakes.

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