Which term describes the practice of collecting knowledge about behavior through direct observation and measurement?

• A. Analytical
• B. Behavioral
• C. Empiricism
• D. Replication

Answer: (C)

Empiricism is the practice of collecting knowledge about behavior through direct observation and measurement. It centers on observable events and uses data to guide conclusions, not relying on intuition or anecdotes. In ABA, decisions about interventions are based on what is directly measured—how often a behavior occurs, how long it lasts, the latency to start after a cue, and other measurable dimensions—to establish patterns and evaluate treatment effects. This fits the question because it emphasizes gathering knowledge through observation and objective data. The other terms don’t fit as neatly: analytical involves demonstrating functional relationships through data, replication is about repeating procedures to show reliability, and behavioral describes the subject of study rather than the method of data collection.