Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What comprises the attitudes of science as understood in applied behavior analysis?

1. Experimentation and replication

2. Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, and Philosophic Doubt

3. Observation and data analysis

4. Theory building and testing

The correct answer is: Determinism, Empiricism, Experimentation, Replication, Parsimony, and Philosophic Doubt

In the context of applied behavior analysis, the attitudes of science consist of six core components: determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt. These components form the foundation of scientific inquiry and guide practitioners in evaluating behavior and its alterations. Determinism refers to the belief that events occur due to specific causes, laying the groundwork for understanding behavior as predictable and measurable. Empiricism emphasizes the importance of observation and data collection, ensuring that findings are based on objective evidence rather than subjective beliefs. Experimentation allows for the testing of hypotheses through controlled conditions, leading to neatly defined results that inform practice. Replication is essential for verifying results and establishing reliability and validity in behavioral interventions. Parsimony encourages simplicity in explanations and theories, preferring the simplest, most straightforward explanations over more complex ones unless complexity is absolutely necessary. Lastly, philosophical doubt fosters a critical mindset, urging practitioners to question and continually verify their findings and assumptions about behavior. Together, these attitudes encapsulate the scientific method's rigor and ensure that applied behavior analysis remains grounded in solid principles of investigation and understanding of behavior.