Explanatory Fiction
Also called: circular explanation
Definition
A supposed cause that is nothing more than a restatement of the behavior it is meant to explain, so the explanation goes in a circle. "He hits because he is aggressive" names the behavior twice and explains it once, which is to say not at all.
In plain language
A fake explanation that just describes the behavior with a new word. It feels like an answer but it is the question again.
Example
A learner does not finish tasks. Staff say it is because of poor focus. Asked how they know focus is poor, they point to the unfinished tasks.
Not explanatory fiction
Saying tasks go unfinished because the learner leaves the table whenever a demand is placed and the demand is then dropped. That names an outside variable.
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
Written from Skinner (1953). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.