What is Science?
Science seeks proof.
Science puts to the test ideas (hypotheses) by defining them carefully and measuring them accurately and objectively.
Science uses controlled experiments and, later, verifies what is learned to ensure it is valid. (Green, 1999, p. 5-6).
Science uses peer review once research is complete: a process in which other scientists test and check the results of experiments (“Sense About Science: I Don’t Know What to Believe,” 2005).
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is made up of the following steps:
1. Identify a problem.
2. Gather relevant data and information.
3. Decide on a hypothesis or question.
4. Test the hypothesis or question. (Mayer et al, p. 5)
After these steps are complete, the scientist would then publish the results, which would be peer reviewed. After that, the findings would be either supported or questioned.
The scientific method leads us to factual evidence. When a method has been scientifically tested and validated, we can rest assured that it is proven it will work.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & why does everyone keep mentioning these things?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior. It is science with a focus on learning about what influences behavior. It is “an evidence-based method of examining and changing what people (and other living creatures) say and do” (Meyer et al, 2014, p. 4).
Behavior Analysts learn about what things, or variables, influence behavior in the real world. They look at socially important issues and seek to describe them and address them (Meyer et al, p. 6).
But, Why ABA?
Because:
…ABA is the most extensively researched of all interventions for people with autism.
…Early intervention has been proven to increase a child’s IQ and living skills.
…ABA is proven to be effective in teaching specific skills. (“Recommendations of expert panels…”)
What makes up scientific evidence & support for intervention?
Evidence-based practice is when evaluation and treatment procedures are followed in deciding on an intervention. It uses the science behind a method and a disorder, a clinician’s expertise, and your preferences, as the family, for treatment.
If there is scientific evidence for an intervention, you know that that method has been studied carefully (Logemann).
Support for an intervention occurs when opinions, beliefs, or ideas are not just taken at face value, but instead, there are facts to rely on and data to support those facts. (Green, p. 5).
Deciding on a treatment for your child with autism is a very important decision!
Shermer (2002) states that there are many factors that influence our beliefs, and those factors don’t usually include science. For example, our backgrounds, personalities, family histories, levels of education, life experiences, and the overall society we live in affect our beliefs. As people, we tend to remember things that validate the beliefs we already have and discard things that do not support our beliefs, regardless of evidence. This is called confirmation bias.
It is easy to rely on how we feel about an intervention vs. the facts of the intervention.
Benefits of knowing that an intervention has scientific support:
When an intervention has scientific support, you know that it will:
1. Use your time and your child’s time wisely.
2. Use your money or that of your insurance company effectively.
3. Increase the chances of your child growing and succeeding.
Risks of using interventions without scientific support:
When an intervention does not have scientific support, it may:
1. Waste your time.
2. Waste your child’s time.
3. Waste money.
4. Cause emotional or physical harm.
5. Slow your child’s progress.
6. Cause additional problems that need to be solved.
Ensuring that an intervention is scientifically proven will help your child exponentially more than relying on something that is not!
Questions to ask when deciding on an intervention
Taken from Green (1999):
What is the intervention, precisely?
Exactly what is it supposed to do?
Have its effects been tested in controlled experiments using direct, objective measures?
Were those studies published in peer- reviewed scientific journals?
What did studies show about positive effects and negative side effects?
Did the effects carry over beyond the immediate treatment setting?
Is there another scientifically validated treatment that is similarly effective but has fewer negative side effects?
Who will administer this treatment, and how can I be sure they are qualified to do so?
How will its effects on this individual be evaluated, and by whom?
What will happen if we do nothing?
For your reference & information:
Green, G., & Perry, L. (1999). Science, pseudoscience and antiscience. Science in Autism Treatment, 1(1), 5-6.
Logemann, J. What is evidence-based practice and why should we care? Science in Autism Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.asatonline.org/research-treatment/making-sense-of-autism-treatments-weighing-the-evidence/what-is-evidence-based-practice-and-why-should-we-care/
Mayer, G.R., Sulzer-Azaroff, B., & Wallace, M. (2014). Behavior Analysis for Lasting Change (3rd edition). Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY: Sloan.
Sense about Science (2005). I don’t know what to believe: Making sense of science stories. [Leaflet]. Retrieved from http://senseaboutscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IDontKnowWhatToBelieve.pdf
Shermer, M. (2002, September). Smart people believe weird things. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.asatonline.org/research-treatment/making-sense-of-autism-treatments-weighing-the-evidence/smart-people-believe-weird-things/
Recommendations of expert panels & government task forces. Association for Science in Autism Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/aba-techniques/recommendations-of-expert-panels-government-task-forces/
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