Behavior Definitions Flashcards

Behavior Modification

• Originated in the 1960s and 1970s as a systematic approach to change behavior.

Science of Behavior

• Descriptive science founded on the scientific method, focusing on individual behavior.

Behaviorism

• Philosophical framework underlying the science of behavior, emphasizing observable actions.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

• Application of behavioral science to real-world human behavior problems.
• Launch of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in 1968.
• Influential article: "Some Current Dimensions of ABA" by Baer, Wolf, & Risley.

Determinism

• Concept that the universe operates under laws where all phenomena have identifiable causes, contrasting randomness with order.

Definition of Behavior

• Observable and measurable actions or speech; cannot include actions of deceased individuals.

3-Term Sequence of Behavior

• Interconnected pattern: Environment → Internal Event → Behavior.
• Examples include fear leading to running or anxiety resulting in restlessness.

Laws of Parsimony

• Emphasizes simple, logical explanations for phenomena (Keep It Simple).
• Relies on observable facts, minimal terms, and data support.

Characteristics of Science

• Emphasizes three core aspects:
  • Description
  • Prediction
  • Control

Descriptive Science

• Involves gathering quantifiable and classifiable facts regarding observed events.

Prediction

• Based on consistent observations that show correlation between two events.

Control

• Represents the potential for science to reliably change a dependent variable through manipulation of an independent variable.

Philosophical Assumptions of Behavior Analysis

• Key principles include determinism, experimentation, empiricism, parsimony, philosophic doubt, and replication.

Empiricism

• Advocates for objective observation of phenomena, emphasizing accurate measurements.

Experimentation

• Involves arranging events to assess their impact on observed phenomena.

Replication

• Involves repeating studies under the same conditions to verify the reliability of findings.

Parsimonious Approach

• Preference for simpler explanations over complex, maintaining few assumptions.

Philosophic Doubt

• Encourages ongoing questioning of established facts and promotes skepticism.

Lawfulness

• Suggests that with ideal experimental control, outcomes will consistently replicate.

Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB)

• Founded in 1938 by B.F. Skinner, focusing on respondent and operant conditioning.

Radical Behaviorism

• Concept introduced by Skinner in 1974 that includes private events, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

Characteristics of ABA (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968)

• Core attributes include applicability, observability, analytical rigor, technological clarity, conceptual systemization, effectiveness, and generalization.

Applied Aspect of ABA

• Focuses on socially significant behaviors from various sectors such as social skills, language, and daily living functionality.

Behavioral Aspect of ABA

• Centers on observable and measurable phenomena as the primary focus of study.

Analytical Aspect of ABA

• Demonstrates functional relationships between variables, providing causal connections.

Technological Aspect of ABA

• Involves clear, objective descriptions of procedures to facilitate replication.

Conceptually Systematic Approach

• Connects behavioral procedures directly to fundamental principles of ABA, ensuring interventions are principle-based.

Effectiveness of ABA

• Prioritizes interventions that produce meaningful and socially significant outcomes.

Explore key concepts in behavior modification and analysis through these flashcards. From behaviorism to the science of behavior, this quiz reinforces essential terms and their meanings in the context of behavioral studies.