BCBA Exam Section 1: Foundational Knowledge with 100% correct solutions

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. 00:03 01:49 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. 00:00 01:49 Parsimony Simplest theory. Rule out simple/logical explanations before considering more complex ones. Helps scientists fit findings in knowledge base.