BCBA Section 1 Foundational Knowledge

BCBA Exam Section 1: Foundational Knowledge Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - Scientific approach for discovering environmental variables that reliably influence socially-significant Bx and for developing technology of Bx change that is practical and applicable. ABA is an applied science. Definition of Science - Systematic approach for seeking and organizing knowledge about the natural world. It's based on determinism. Purpose of Science - To achieve a thorough understanding of the phenomena under study. In ABA, the phenomena are socially-important Bx. 3 Levels of Scientific Understanding - DPC - Description, Prediction, Control Description - Systematic observations that can be quantified and classified. One of the 3 levels of scientific understanding. Prediction - Two events may regularly occur at the same time. AKA, covariation, correlation. One of the 3 levels of scientific understanding. Control - Functional relation. Experimental demonstration that manipulating one event results in another event. AKA, causation. The highest level of scientific understanding. 6 Attitudes of Science/Philosophical Assumptions - DEERPP - Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, Philosophical Doubt. Determinism - The world is an orderly, predictable place. Cause/effect. If/then. Empiricism - Facts, experimental, data-based, driven by observation and experience. Requires quantification and detailed description. Experimental - Requires manipulation of variables to see the effects on the dependent variable. The basic strategy of most sciences. AKA, experimental Analysis. Replication - Repeating experiments. The method used to determine reliability and discover mistakes. Makes science a self-correcting enterprise. Parsimony - Simplest theory. Rule out simple/logical explanations before considering more complex ones. Helps scientists fit findings in knowledge base. Philosophical Doubt - Healthy skepticism and critical eye about the results of studies and your work with clients. 7 Dimensions of ABA - BATCAGE - Behavioral, Applied, Technological, Conceptually Systematic, Analytical, Generality, Effective. Defined by Baer, Wolf, & Risley in 1968.