BCBA TASK LIST A (PHILOSOPHICAL
UNDERPINNINGS) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
What are the goals of behavior analysis as a science? - ANSWER Description, prediction, control
Description - ANSWER A collection of facts about the observed events that can be quantified, classified,
and examined for possible relations with other known facts. (observation)
Prediction - ANSWER When repeated observations reveal that two events consistently covary with each
other. (correlation)
Control - ANSWER The ability to predict with a certain degree of confidence. Independent variable is
controlling the dependent variable (functional relation)
What are the assumptions and attitudes of science - ANSWER Determinism
Empiricism
Experimentation
Replication
Parsimony
Philosophical doubt
Determinism - ANSWER The universe is a lawful and orderly place in which al phenomena occur as the
result of other events.
Science is predicated on the assumption of this.
Empiricism - ANSWER The practice of objective observation and measurement of the phenomena of
interest.
(Think of empirical research)
UNDERPINNINGS) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
What are the goals of behavior analysis as a science? - ANSWER Description, prediction, control
Description - ANSWER A collection of facts about the observed events that can be quantified, classified,
and examined for possible relations with other known facts. (observation)
Prediction - ANSWER When repeated observations reveal that two events consistently covary with each
other. (correlation)
Control - ANSWER The ability to predict with a certain degree of confidence. Independent variable is
controlling the dependent variable (functional relation)
What are the assumptions and attitudes of science - ANSWER Determinism
Empiricism
Experimentation
Replication
Parsimony
Philosophical doubt
Determinism - ANSWER The universe is a lawful and orderly place in which al phenomena occur as the
result of other events.
Science is predicated on the assumption of this.
Empiricism - ANSWER The practice of objective observation and measurement of the phenomena of
interest.
(Think of empirical research)
