Pragmatism

Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the practical application of ideas and the truth of a theory based on its effectiveness in solving problems. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), pragmatism guides the focus on interventions and strategies that produce measurable, practical outcomes in real-world settings. The value of an intervention is judged by its ability to bring about meaningful behavior change.

Example

In an ABA program, a therapist might try different reinforcement strategies to reduce a child’s tantrums. From a pragmatic standpoint, the therapist focuses on whichever method produces the best result in reducing the behavior, rather than adhering strictly to a theoretical framework. The effectiveness of the strategy is judged based on the observed behavior change, not on its theoretical elegance.

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