Definition: The idea of determinism means that behaviour is legal and happens due to the identifiable environmental variables (Flowers, 2024). Behavior does not occur randomly, but it is somewhat affected by antecedents and consequences, which are observable and analyzable.
Application to the Scenario: The tearing of paper in the math classroom should be considered in this case as the behavior of a student that is predetermined by the specific environmental reasons. The contrast between the two settings is considered since she does not repeat the same behaviour in the language arts. Determinism is the concept that behavior may be affected by variables specific to math class (e.g., difficulty of the tasks, teaching speed, length of the worksheet, past learning history with math). Secondly, the consequences after the ripping behavior (e.g., taking away the worksheet, the teacher’s attention, or postponing the task) can support it. Determinism, instead of assuming that the student is merely being defiant or emotional, causes the behavior analyst to seek consistent links between environmental events and the behavior.
Empiricism
Definition: The objective observation and measurement of behavior is called empiricism (Murphy, 2021). The conclusions about behaviors should be drawn from observable and quantifiable data instead of personal judgments and viewpoints.
Application to the Scenario: In order to use empiricism, I would take a systematic approach of gathering data on the frequency and time of the occurrence of paper-ripping. This could involve noting frequency, length, and specific antecedents (e.g., type of math problem presented). I would also record the consequences that are given out following the behavior. The comparison of data in math and language arts settings would assist in the identification of patterns and elucidation of the potential maintaining variables. Objective measurement will also make sure that the conclusion reached about the behavior of the student can be supported by evidence and not by guessing.
Application to the Scenario: The tearing of paper in the math classroom should be considered in this case as the behavior of a student that is predetermined by the specific environmental reasons. The contrast between the two settings is considered since she does not repeat the same behaviour in the language arts. Determinism is the concept that behavior may be affected by variables specific to math class (e.g., difficulty of the tasks, teaching speed, length of the worksheet, past learning history with math). Secondly, the consequences after the ripping behavior (e.g., taking away the worksheet, the teacher’s attention, or postponing the task) can support it. Determinism, instead of assuming that the student is merely being defiant or emotional, causes the behavior analyst to seek consistent links between environmental events and the behavior.
Empiricism
Definition: The objective observation and measurement of behavior is called empiricism (Murphy, 2021). The conclusions about behaviors should be drawn from observable and quantifiable data instead of personal judgments and viewpoints.
Application to the Scenario: In order to use empiricism, I would take a systematic approach of gathering data on the frequency and time of the occurrence of paper-ripping. This could involve noting frequency, length, and specific antecedents (e.g., type of math problem presented). I would also record the consequences that are given out following the behavior. The comparison of data in math and language arts settings would assist in the identification of patterns and elucidation of the potential maintaining variables. Objective measurement will also make sure that the conclusion reached about the behavior of the student can be supported by evidence and not by guessing.
References
Flowers, D. J. (2024, October 12). Determinism. 40 Hour RBT® Online Training. https://behaviortechcourse.com/glossary/determinism/
Murphy, N. (2021). Empiricism: Definition, Meaning & Philosophy. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/empiricism-definition-meaning-philosophy.html
