Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which aspect of scientific attitudes requires that all simple explanations should be explored first?

1. Philosophic Doubt

2. Control

3. Determinism

4. Parsimony

The correct answer is: Parsimony

The aspect of scientific attitudes that requires all simple explanations to be explored first is parsimony. Parsimony is a guiding principle in scientific research that advocates for minimalism in the development of theories and explanations. It suggests that when faced with competing hypotheses or explanations, one should prefer the simplest one that accounts for all the data. This principle is often referred to as "Occam's Razor," which asserts that unnecessary assumptions should not be made when simpler explanations suffice. In practice, applying parsimony means prioritizing straightforward solutions before considering more complex alternatives, making it a foundational concept in the scientific method and in applied behavior analysis. This approach promotes efficiency and focuses on solutions that are easier to test and validate, supporting the overall goal of making data-driven decisions in behavior analysis.