BCBA Exam Section 1: Foundational Knowledge

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Correct Answer: 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 Correct Answer: Systematic approach for seeking and organizing knowledge about the natural world. It's based on determinism. Purpose of Science Correct Answer: To achieve a thorough understanding of the phenomena under study. In ABA, the phenomena are socially-important Bx. 3 Levels of Scientific Understanding Correct Answer: DPC - Description, Prediction, Control Description Correct Answer: Systematic observations that can be quantified and classified. One of the 3 levels of scientific understanding. Prediction Correct Answer: Two events may regularly occur at the same time. AKA, covariation, correlation. One of the 3 levels of scientific understanding. Control Correct Answer: 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 Correct Answer: DEERPP - Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, Philosophical Doubt. Determinism Correct Answer: The world is an orderly, predictable place. Cause/effect. If/then. Empiricism Correct Answer: Facts, experimental, data-based, driven by observation and experience. Requires quantification and detailed description. Experimental Correct Answer: Requires manipulation of variables to see the effects on the dependent variable. The basic strategy of most sciences. AKA, experimental Analysis. Replication Correct Answer: Repeating experiments. The method used to determine reliability and discover mistakes. Makes science a self-correcting enterprise. Parsimony Correct Answer: Simplest theory. Rule out simple/logical explanations before considering more complex ones. Helps scientists fit findings in knowledge base. Philosophical Doubt Correct Answer: Healthy skepticism and critical eye about the results of studies and your work with clients.