Overview
This week, we will continue our studies by examining the purpose of scientific inquiry, which is the foundation of ABA. Taking a step back and reviewing these foundational goals of science will help you understand the ABA concepts you will study in your program. For this assignment, you will discuss the three levels of understanding that can be attained through different types of scientific investigation: description, prediction, and control.
Preparation
Review the relevant sections of Chapter 1 of your Applied Behavior Analysis textbook.
Instructions
Use the Description, Prediction, and Control Template [DOCX] to complete the following:
Step 1
For each of the three goals of scientific inquiry, explain in common language why each goal is important and how it can contribute to our base of knowledge. With a scholarly tone, use your own words for your explanation, do not use direct quotes from the textbook. To learn more about the requirements of a scholarly tone, refer to the Tone
section of the Writing Center. This section needs to be written in your own words with in-text citations to back up the facts you are paraphrasing. Refer to the In-Text Citation
Campus page for more information. Direct quotes will not be accepted.
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. It is important for you to know how to format references using the current version of APA. Review the Reference Page
for more information. We will build your skills bit by bit throughout your program.
Step 2
Describe two examples of each goal. These examples need to be original, meaning you came up with them yourself rather than sourcing them from somewhere else. Aim for 2–3 complete sentences per example.
Refer to the Description, Prediction, and Control assignment 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: Reference your Cooper et al., (2020) textbook, only.
- Length: 1–2 pages with an additional title page and reference page. This is an estimate, remember to use concise and clear writing on these templates.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
- Competency 1: Explain the philosophical assumptions in behavior analysis.
- Explain why each scientific goal is important and contributes to our base of knowledge.
- Describe two examples of each goal.
- 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 and in-text citations using current APA standards with few errors.