In the world of science, the ultimate goal is to gain a deep understanding of the phenomena under investigation. For Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), this means focusing on socially significant behavior. To achieve this understanding, science operates on three distinct levels: Description, Prediction, and Control. Each level builds upon the previous one, providing a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
1. Description: The Foundation of Understanding
At the most basic level, descriptive science focuses on careful observation and recording of phenomena. This level is all about establishing a detailed account of behaviors, events, or processes. In the context of ABA, descriptive work involves systematically documenting observable behaviors, their frequency, duration, and the contexts in which they occur. By doing so, researchers often uncover patterns that suggest hypotheses or questions for further study.
Example: White’s 1975 study of classroom teachers’ rates of approval is an excellent example of descriptive research in ABA. The study meticulously recorded teacher behaviors in the classroom, laying the groundwork for further research into the effects of teacher approval on student behavior.
2. Prediction: Identifying Patterns and Correlations
Moving beyond mere description, prediction in science explores potential relationships between different variables. In ABA, this means identifying patterns or associations between environmental factors and behavioral responses. By observing repeated occurrences, researchers can predict when certain behaviors will occur in response to specific stimuli. However, it’s crucial to remember that correlation does not equal causation.
Example: In Australia, data shows that when ice cream sales increase, shark attacks also rise. This is a correlation, not causation. The underlying factor is the weather: when it’s hot, more people swim in the ocean (increasing shark attacks) and buy ice cream. This pattern does not mean that eating ice cream causes shark attacks; there is no functional relation.
3. Control: Discovering Cause and Effect
The third and most advanced level of scientific understanding is control, where researchers establish cause-and-effect relationships through controlled experimentation. In ABA, this involves manipulating variables—such as implementing interventions—and observing how these changes impact behavior. By carefully controlling the conditions of an experiment, scientists can confidently determine whether an intervention caused the observed behavioral change.
Example: The development of penicillin is a powerful example of control in science. When penicillin was introduced, it consistently cured bacterial infections, demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the drug and the elimination of the infection.
These three levels of science—Description, Prediction, and Control—provide the framework for developing a deeper understanding of behavior in ABA. Each level plays a vital role in helping behavior analysts understand, predict, and change socially significant behavior in meaningful ways.
