Scientific inquiry rests on a set of beliefs that scientists share. Given that behavior analysis is the science of human behavior, these assumptions guide us in how we approach our work as behavior analysts and researchers.

Scientific inquiry rests on a set of beliefs that scientists share. Given that behavior analysis is the science of human behavior, these assumptions guide us in how we approach our work as behavior analysts and researchers. For this assignment, you will explore the philosophical assumptions of science and behavior analysis, which include selectionism, determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt.

 

Preparation

Review the relevant sections of Chapters 1 and 2 of your Applied Behavior Analysis textbook.

 

Instructions

Use the Philosophical Assumptions Template [DOCX] Download Philosophical Assumptions Template [DOCX]to complete the following:

 

Explain the assumption and why it is important to scientific inquiry. With a scholarly tone, use your own words for your explanation and do not use direct quotes from the textbook. (2–3 sentences per assumption.)

Provide an example that illustrates the importance of the assumption.

Note: Since you are using your Applied Behavior Analysis textbook as a reference, be sure to include a reference to the textbook. There is an example APA-formatted reference provided in the template for you to follow.

 

Refer to the Philosophical Assumptions rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.

 

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

 

Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

Resources: You are not expected to include references other than your textbook.

Length: 2–3 pages. In addition, include a title page and a reference page.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

 

Competency 1: Explain the philosophical assumptions in behavior analysis.

Define each philosophical assumption.

Explain how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry.

Provide an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions.

Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.

Adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Create a book reference using current APA standards with few errors.

View Rubric

 

Philosophical Assumptions

Philosophical Assumptions

Criteria Ratings Pts

Define each philosophical assumption.

39 to >33.15 pts

 

DISTINGUISHED

 

Defines each philosophical assumption using common language and a scholarly tone.

33.15 to >27.3 pts

 

PROFICIENT

 

Defines each philosophical assumption.

27.3 to >0 pts

 

BASIC

 

Attempts to define each philosophical assumption, but the definitions are unclear or missing important information.

0 pts

 

NON_PERFORMANCE

 

Does not define each philosophical assumption.

/ 39 pts

 

Explain how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry.

 

40.5 to >34.43 pts

 

DISTINGUISHED

 

Explains how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry using common language and a scholarly tone.

34.43 to >28.35 pts

 

PROFICIENT

 

Explains how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry.

28.35 to >0 pts

 

BASIC

 

Attempts to explain how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry, but the explanations are incomplete or unclear.

0 pts

 

NON_PERFORMANCE

 

Does not explain how each assumption is important to scientific inquiry.

/ 40.5 pts

 

Provide an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions.

 

40.5 to >34.43 pts

 

DISTINGUISHED

 

Provides an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions in a concise manner, including all relevant details.

34.43 to >28.35 pts

 

PROFICIENT

 

Provides an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions.

28.35 to >0 pts

 

BASIC

 

Attempts to provide an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions, but the examples are incomplete or unclear.

0 pts

 

NON_PERFORMANCE

 

Does not provide an example that illustrates each of the philosophical assumptions.

/ 40.5 pts

 

Adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

 

15 to >12.75 pts

 

DISTINGUISHED

 

Exhibits strict and nearly flawless adherence to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

12.75 to >10.5 pts

 

PROFICIENT

 

Adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

10.5 to >0 pts

 

BASIC

 

Errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics inhibit readability and comprehension and detract from good scholarship.

0 pts

 

NON_PERFORMANCE

 

Does not adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

/ 15 pts

 

Create a book reference using current APA standards with few errors.

 

15 to >12.75 pts

 

DISTINGUISHED

 

Creates a book reference using current APA standards with no errors.

12.75 to >10.5 pts

 

PROFICIENT

 

Creates a book reference using current APA standards with few errors.

10.5 to >0 pts

 

BASIC

 

Creates a book reference using current APA standards, with many errors.

0 pts

 

NON_PERFORMANCE

 

Does not create a book reference.