The BCBA Task List (5th ed.) specifies that a behavior analyst should be able to “Describe the common functions of problem behavior” (section 2, subsection F). This skill addresses the ability to describe and explain behavior, including private events, in behavior-analytic or non-mentalistic terms. Why is this essential? Without strict mastery of behavior-analytic terminology, you are at risk of reverting to explaining behavior with mentalism and circular logic.
Without strict mastery of behavior analytic terminology, you are at risk of reverting to explaining behavior with mentalism and circular logic.
Click the buttons below to see an example of two different behavior analysts describing the same thing.