BCBA Exam Section 1: Foundational
Knowledge
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - Scientific approach for discovering environmental
variables that
... [Show More] 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.
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.
Parsimony - Simplest theory. Rule out simple/logical explanations before considering
more complex ones. Helps scientists fit findings in knowledge base.
Philosophical Doubt - Healthy skepticism and critical eye about the results of studies
and your work with clients.
7 Dimensions of ABA - BATCAGE - Behavioral, Applied, Technological, Conceptually
Systematic, Analytical, Generality, Effective. Defined by Baer, Wolf, & Risley in 1968. [Show Less]