Definition
Empiricism refers to the practice of gathering information through direct observation and measurement of phenomena in an objective and systematic way. In the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), empiricism means that conclusions and interventions are based on observable, measurable data rather than subjective opinions or assumptions. This approach ensures that ABA practices are grounded in reliable evidence that can be tested and verified.
Example
A behavior analyst wants to determine whether a reinforcement system increases a student’s task completion. Rather than relying on anecdotal reports or intuition, the analyst collects empirical data by directly observing the student’s behavior and recording the number of tasks completed each day. Based on these objective observations, the analyst can make data-driven decisions about the effectiveness of the intervention.