As a future ABA professional, understanding why the field of behavior analysis differs from other psychology fields is important. Behavior analysts use objective and behavioristic statements to describe phenomena they observe. At this point in your studies, it is important to start considering the impact of mentalistic statements in your vocabulary to help you to begin thinking like a behavior analyst.
Instructions
Your instructor will share the Mentalism and Radical Behaviorism Template you will use to complete this assignment.
Complete the following in the provided table:
Column 1: Identify whether the statement is mentalistic or behavioristic for each scenario.
Column 2: Explain the reasoning behind your choices. Some of the scenarios are similar and you may reuse your justification in multiple scenarios—but you must restate the explanation for each scenario.
Column 3: Provide a behavioristic explanation as an alternative for each of the mentalistic explanations you identify.
Answer the following questions below the table. Each answer should be no more than two paragraphs.
How does a behavior analytic approach differ from other fields of psychology?
What is the problem with a behavior analyst using a mentalistic approach?
Why is it important for a behavior analyst to use a behavioristic approach and not use a mentalistic approach in their practice?