3 Levels of Scientific Understanding

Description:

Description is the first level of scientific understanding. Description is made possible through observations that can be classified and quantified. When observing a behavior, a practitioner can then describe what the behavior looks like. This is essential for further scientific understanding.

An example of this is if the practitioner observes little Suzie wave to her friend after hearing her name called, then the practitioner can then report that the behavior of waving was followed by someone calling her name. Using ABC contingencies to observe behavior leads to detailed descriptions of the behavior and what it looks like.

Prediction:

After multiple observations of a behavior we can confidently predict that the behavior will happen again in the future under the same conditions as the past behavior. Prediction is also referred to as covariation and correlation but NOT causation. Although past behavior can predict future behavior it is not to be presumed that one behavior causes the next.

For example, if Sally is late to school every Wednesday one can confidently predict that the next upcoming Wednesday she will be late to school. 

Control:

Control is also referred to causation and is the third and highest level of scientific understanding. Control is established when there is a functional relationship formed. In other words, manipulating one event results in change in the next event.

Control is evident when a treatment has a direct effect on a behavior. For example, if Teddy takes an Advil when he has a headache and the headache goes away. There is a direct causation between the Advil removing the headache, in which the IV in had an effect on the DV and a functional relation is evident.