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TCO in the Field

Seven smooth stones stacked in balance on a pebbled beach, symbolizing the foundational structure of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its seven dimensions.

Blog 12 – The 7 Dimensions of ABA: An Introduction

The 7 Dimensions of ABA: An Introduction What makes ABA more than a box of behavior tools? Seven time-tested qualities—known as the Seven Dimensions—set it apart as a science, not just a strategy. Whether you’re prepping for the exam or supervising others, these dimensions aren’t optional. They define what ABA is—and what it isn’t. Why […]

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Person standing in a hallway lined with closed doors, symbolizing the different domains of Applied Behavior Analysis: philosophy, research, practice, and exam preparation

Blog 11 – Where ABA Fits: Philosophy, Research, Practice, and Exam Prep

Where ABA Fits: Philosophy, Research, Practice, and Exam Prep You’re studying ABA. But what exactly are you studying? Is it a science?A profession?A philosophy? Yes… and no.ABA doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of a bigger framework—one the exam expects you to understand. Four Layers of the Field Let’s start with the big picture.ABA is one

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Two women sitting back to back, symbolizing contrasting perspectives — used to represent the difference between behaviorism and mentalism in applied behavior analysis.

Blog 10 – Behaviorism vs. Mentalism: Clearing Up the Confusion

Behaviorism vs. Mentalism: Clearing Up the Confusion Ever stared at a test question and thought:“Wait—what’s the difference between radical and methodological behaviorism again?” You’re not alone.The names sound similar, but the philosophies are quite different—and those differences matter, both in practice and on the exam. Let’s break it down in plain terms. Three Ways to

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Blog 9 – Radical Behaviorism: Understanding Skinner’s Legacy

Radical Behaviorism: Understanding Skinner’s Legacy ABA isn’t built on buzzwords or pop psychology.It’s built on a radical idea: All behavior—even thoughts and feelings—can be analyzed through the lens of the environment. This idea is the backbone of radical behaviorism, the philosophical foundation of ABA.Let’s unpack what that means and why it matters.In behavior analysis, positive

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Blog 8 – Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement – Not Just About “Good” or “Bad”

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement – Not Just About “Good” or “Bad” When people hear the word reinforcement, they usually think of rewards.Add the word negative, and suddenly it sounds like punishment. That confusion is common—and costly. In behavior analysis, positive and negative don’t refer to how something feels. They describe what happens in the environment.

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Blog 7 – Philosophical Doubt: The Art of Asking “What If I’m Wrong?”

Philosophical Doubt: The Art of Asking “What If I’m Wrong?” We’ve covered Selectionism, Determinism, Parsimony, and Pragmatism. Now it’s time for another cornerstone of good science—Philosophical Doubt. This isn’t a TCO-listed term, but it’s a big part of how our field keeps growing. It’s the attitude that says: “Even if I feel sure, I should

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Blog 6 – Pragmatism: Truth Is What Works

Pragmatism: Truth Is What Works Welcome back! This is the fifth post in our series on the philosophical foundations of behavior analysis. We’ve already explored Selectionism, Determinism, Empiricism, and Parsimony. Now, it’s time for Pragmatism—the idea that what matters most is what actually works in the real world. At its core, pragmatism says that something

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Blog 3- Behavior Doesn’t Just Happen: Determinism in Applied Behavior Analysis

Behavior Doesn’t Just Happen: Part 2 of 5 on the Foundations of Behavior Analysis Part 2 of our five-part series on the philosophical roots of behavior analysis In Part 1, we explored Selectionism—the idea that behavior is shaped over time: through evolution, learning, and consequence. It reminded us that behavior doesn’t emerge fully formed but

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