BEH 5041 Unit 1
Reading Assignment
1. Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd
ed.).
▪ Chapter 1: Definition and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis o
Pp. 2–7 (stop before “A Brief History of Behavior Analysis”)
▪ Chapter 2: Basic Concepts and Principles
o Pp. 25–28 (stop before “Classifying and Describing Stimuli”)
2. Pierce, W. D., & Cheney, C. D. (2017). Behavior analysis and learning (6th ed.).
▪ Chapter 1: A Science of Behavior: Perspective, History, and Assumptions o
Pp. 1–4 (stop before “Two Types of Conditioning”)
o Page 24–27 (start at “Science and Behavior: Some Assumptions”)
Guided Reading Questions
Instructions: Answer the following questions while reading the assigned pages for this
unit. The answers to these questions can be found directly in the reading. After
answering the questions, complete the Reading Check in the course. The Reading
Check will consist of questions selected from the Guided Reading Questions along with
answer choices. You will select the answer choice that matches the answer you
recorded while reading the assignment. You may use the Guided Reading Questions
and the answers you recorded while completing the Reading Check.
Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2020): Ch. 1 Pp. 2–7
1. Applied behavior analysis is a science devoted to: Understanding and improving human
behavior.
2. What types of behaviors do applied behavior analysts focus on? Behaviors of social
importance
3. What is the overall goal of science? To achieve a thorough understanding of the
phenomenon under study
4. What does descriptive knowledge consist of? A collection of facts about the observed events
that can be quantified, classified and examined for possible relations with other known facts.
5. How did Johnston and Pennypacker (1980) describe functional relations? As the ultimate
product of a natural scientific investigation of the relation between behavior and its determining
variables.
BEH 5041 Unit 1 Reading Assignment and Guided Reading Questions Rev 12/15/20 AJ 1
6. Science is predicated on the assumption of determinism. What do all scientists presume?
That the universe is a lawful and orderly place in which all phenomena occur as the result of
other events.
7. What is empiricism? The practice of objective observation and measurement of the
phenomena of interest.
8. What is an experiment? Is a controlled comparison of some measure of the phenomenon of
Reading Assignment
1. Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd
ed.).
▪ Chapter 1: Definition and Characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis o
Pp. 2–7 (stop before “A Brief History of Behavior Analysis”)
▪ Chapter 2: Basic Concepts and Principles
o Pp. 25–28 (stop before “Classifying and Describing Stimuli”)
2. Pierce, W. D., & Cheney, C. D. (2017). Behavior analysis and learning (6th ed.).
▪ Chapter 1: A Science of Behavior: Perspective, History, and Assumptions o
Pp. 1–4 (stop before “Two Types of Conditioning”)
o Page 24–27 (start at “Science and Behavior: Some Assumptions”)
Guided Reading Questions
Instructions: Answer the following questions while reading the assigned pages for this
unit. The answers to these questions can be found directly in the reading. After
answering the questions, complete the Reading Check in the course. The Reading
Check will consist of questions selected from the Guided Reading Questions along with
answer choices. You will select the answer choice that matches the answer you
recorded while reading the assignment. You may use the Guided Reading Questions
and the answers you recorded while completing the Reading Check.
Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2020): Ch. 1 Pp. 2–7
1. Applied behavior analysis is a science devoted to: Understanding and improving human
behavior.
2. What types of behaviors do applied behavior analysts focus on? Behaviors of social
importance
3. What is the overall goal of science? To achieve a thorough understanding of the
phenomenon under study
4. What does descriptive knowledge consist of? A collection of facts about the observed events
that can be quantified, classified and examined for possible relations with other known facts.
5. How did Johnston and Pennypacker (1980) describe functional relations? As the ultimate
product of a natural scientific investigation of the relation between behavior and its determining
variables.
BEH 5041 Unit 1 Reading Assignment and Guided Reading Questions Rev 12/15/20 AJ 1
6. Science is predicated on the assumption of determinism. What do all scientists presume?
That the universe is a lawful and orderly place in which all phenomena occur as the result of
other events.
7. What is empiricism? The practice of objective observation and measurement of the
phenomena of interest.
8. What is an experiment? Is a controlled comparison of some measure of the phenomenon of
