Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What is the process of repeating experiments to verify results called?

1. Prediction

2. Observation

3. Replication

4. Control

The correct answer is: Replication

The process of repeating experiments to verify results is known as replication. This is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method, as it helps ensure that findings are reliable and not merely due to chance or specific conditions in a single experiment. When an experiment is replicated, researchers can confirm the consistency of the results across different settings or populations. This builds the credibility of the original findings and contributes to the overall body of scientific knowledge by demonstrating that results can be reproduced. Other concepts mentioned, such as prediction, observation, and control, serve different purposes within the research process. Prediction involves forecasting outcomes based on theoretical understanding or prior data, observation refers to the act of noticing and recording behaviors and events, and control relates to managing variables to minimize their influence on the results. Each of these components is valuable in research but does not address the specific concern of verifying results through repeated experimentation as replication does.