Critical Thinking PS 651 Chapter Review Caldwell College Marcus Lozano

Agenda Definition of Critical thinking Critical vs. Casual thinking Fad treatments Silly video Review

Wikipedia Definition Critical thinking involves determining the meaning and significance of what is observed or expressed, or, concerning a given inference or argument, determining whether there is adequate justification to accept the conclusion as true (Wikipedia, 2010).

Critical Thinking Behavior Analysts are critical thinkers by nature. Professionals who aren’t in our field may have mixed feelings on our emphasis on data. It is possible to come across as cynics when given a situation where there’s a “warm and fuzzy” story, but no evidence to support it.

Critical Thinking Fail “My son began aromatherapy treatment on Tuesday and started reading words on Wednesday!” =

Science Scientists need certain information before making decisions Experimental control Observational Reliability Social Validity

Applied Behavior Analysis No other treatment comes close to the rigor of ABA We are more concerned with causal variables surrounding human behavior General correlational findings hold no weight – “Girls are better at math” – according to what study?

Replicating Research We believe in a treatment after a certain number of replications have been made. Even after a study has been published that doesn’t mean its applicable to every learner. What do we do to establish a functional relationship? – Take baseline, test the intervention – Determine if it works for a learner in that setting Sometimes we try to replicate a published study and it doesn’t work with our learner. This is why we take baseline and collect ongoing data.

Casual Versus Critical Thinking Most of our day to day thinking is not critical thinking, but casual thinking, or problem solving. What should I eat for breakfast? What should I wear? Sometimes it’s better to use casual thinking, especially when interacting with others. Too much critical thinking may reduce the number of close friends you have. – If someone tells you to try a new pizza place and you ask for data, they may be less likely to tell you about new eateries in the future There are certain times where critical thinking is essential and can prevent wasted time and/or money.

Critical Thinking in Action The ABA version of critical thinking comes from single-subject experimental methods. We have over four decades of research to rely on – This may explain why we are so skeptical about pseudo science, fad treatments, etc. There is a very large amount of new theories that have not been tested. – Especially for autism – Chelation therapy, gluten/casein-free diet, etc.

Fad treatments

Sensory Integration Therapy What types of things are done in SIT? brushing deep pressure hugs massages rolling on a mat

Sensory Integration Therapy What is it supposed to do? – Enhance the individual's ability to focus Enhance the individual's ability to focus How can we measure this? – ???

Arguments for SIT Casual – Why not? – It’s been around for a while and I know a lot of OT’s that use it. – Parents are happy with it – The learner “enjoys” itenjoys Critical Where are the data supporting the treatment?

Critical vs. Casual Using SIT or any other treatment without any evidence to support its effectiveness with a client isn’t critical thinking (Refer to Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts). – This can lead to wasted time, money, etc. These treatments are merely assuming that the procedure is effective and that the theory is correct. – Research behind SIT and other fad treatments are not valid. – A study done by Mason and Iwata (1990) actually showed an increase in self-injurious behavior when SIT was introduced.

What’s next?

Facilitated Communication Began in Australia as a treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy. Came to USA in the early 1990s as a method for assisting communication for individuals with autism (Jackson, Foxx, & Mulick, 2005). Supporters of FC: – Believed individuals with autism have “undisclosed literacy” (Burch and Bailey, 2009) – A “facilitator” can assist them in bringing out their latent literary talents.facilitator

QUESTION Why do parents try fad treatments with no evidence? What type of thinking are they engaging in? – Critical or casual? – What are possible repercussions of this?

Review Why is it important to engage in critical thinking? When is it ok to use casual thinking instead?

“ What skeptical thinking boils down to is the means to construct, and to understand, a reasoned argument- especially important-to recognize a fallacious or fraudulent argument.” - Carl Sagan

References Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2010). Twenty-five essential skills & strategies for the professional behavior analyst. NY: Routledge. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia (2009). Critical Thinking. Retrieved from