Which stance emphasizes the tentativeness of scientific knowledge and the willingness to replace beliefs with new discoveries?

• A. Parsimony
• B. Philosophic Doubt
• C. Echoic
• D. Tact

Answer: (B)

Philosophic doubt describes a scientist’s attitude of doubt toward what we think we know and a readiness to revise beliefs when new data challenge them. This stance means evaluating methods and outcomes objectively, embracing findings that contradict current beliefs, and changing procedures or theories accordingly rather than clinging to a preferred approach. In ABA practice, this helps ensure that teaching strategies and behavior-analytic procedures are supported by data and updated as evidence evolves. Parsimony focuses on choosing the simplest explanation, not on openness to new evidence. Echoic and tact are verbal operants (repeating heard words and labeling stimuli), and do not address the willingness to revise beliefs based on new discoveries.