Unit 1 Lecture Flashcards
Behavioral Assessment
*A systematic gathering of info to make data-based decisions, regarding bx & the environment
Behavioral Assessment includes Range of methods
- Interviews
- Checklists
- Observations
- Systematic manipulations
General Behavioral Assessment Methods
- Preliminary Indirect Assessment
- Descriptive Assessment
- Direct naturalistic observation - Functional Analysis
- Systematic Manipulations
A behavioral assessment begins at what point in the ABA service delivery model?
a. Before development of the plan
b. After design but before implementation
c. After implementation
a. Before development of the plan
Behavioral assessment methods gather information to make decisions. A behavior analyst must systematically gather information before they design any type of intervention plan, not after. While data collection will take place after implementation, the behavioral assessment process must begin long before implementation.
Which of the following are types of behavioral assessment methods?
a) Interviews
b) Psychological testing
c) Observations
d) Systematic manipulations
e) Personality assessments
f) Checklists
a) Interviews
c) Observations
d) Systematic manipualtions
f) Checklists
List the three general behavioral assessment methods:
Preliminary indirect assessment, direct descriptive assessment, and functional analysis
Purpose of Behavioral Assessment
- Determine if a prob with Bx exists
- Describe bx & the env
- Identify targets for change
- Determine functional relations btw bx & the env
- Help determine optimal response measures
Purpose of Behavioral Assessment
- Provide info needed to develop bx plans
- When, where, with whom and how to intervene
- Monitor program implementation
- Evaluate tx effectiveneess
- Evaluate maintenance & generalization
Behavioral Assessment Purpose
-In short, “to figure out what the Clint’s prob is & how to change it for the better”
Characteristics of Behavioral Assessment
*Bx is imp in & of itself
-Not as a symptom of some underlying trait, process or disorder
Note: Disorders are NOT ruled out
*Focus is on Observable, Measurable events: Bx & env
*Ecological perspective: Bx is situation-specific
-“Extrinsically variable” means “mediated by the Env”
Assessment is Ongoing
- Behavioral assessment is ongoing & continuous
- Not just pre- and Post-treatment
- It occurs at every stage of the delivery of bx services
Why Behavioral Assessment
- Guiding Principle: Right to Effective Behavioral Tx (1989)
- Required by Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997)
- Our Ethics: BACB Professional & Ethical Compliance Code for Bx Analysis( 2014)
What is the purpose of behavioral assessment?
a) Determine if diagnostic criteria are met
b) Identify medical complexities
c) Identify the behavioral problem & how to alter it for the better
d) Determine if underlying psychological issues are improving
c) Identify the behavioral problem & how to alter it for the better
Select all that are characteristics of behavioral assessment:
(check all that apply)
a) Ongoing and continuous
b) Pinpoints underlying traits
c) Focus on observable, measurable events
d) Perspective that bx is situation-specific
e) Only completed pre/ post-treatment
a) Ongoing and continuous
c) Focus on observable, measurable events
d) Perspective that bx is situation-specific
Guiding Principle 5
Behavioral assessment & ongoing evaluation:
*“Pretreatment assessment, including both interviews & measures of bx, attempts to identify factors relevant to bx maintenance & tx. The continued use of objective behavioral measurement documents response to tx”
Assessment as Required by Law
*Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (1997)
-Sets a central requirement of “FAPE”. Access to “Free appropriate public education”
‘Quality is not addressed
-In certain cases, it requires IEP team to conduct a Functional bx assessment
-Standard requiring FBSs & BIPs vary state to state
Assessment as Ethical
*BACB Professional & Ethical Compliance Code
-Assessing Bx
-Individualized Bx-Change Programs
“Bx analysis must tailor…..programs to the unique bus, environmental variables, Assessment results and goals of each client”
Critiques of ABA
- Criticisms of ABA practice often arise from cases where Functional (& other) assessments have been substandard or even absent
- How ere goals identifies?
- Why was that intervention selected?
- In Robert Hawkins’s words, “Who decided that was the problem?”
In certain cases, assessment is required by law in the United States.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Critiques of ABA (contd…)
- What defines “normal” bx, & who makes that decision?
- The college student in the library Vs…..
- Lucia and her string
- Are “abusive” procedures used?
- How do practitioners go wrong, and who makes that determination?
Addressing Critiques Through Proper Assessment
- These & other similar questions can be carefully & adequately addressed in a comprehensive, inclusive & ongoing assessment process
- Goals & procedures are evaluated at least in part based on social validity
- They can be carefully vetted with the consumer’s informed consent & continuously evaluated for efficacy
How can a proper behavioral assessment address critiques of behavioral interventions?
(check all that apply)
a. Identifies unwanted procedures before they are used
b. Involves consumer in goal selection
c. Ensures client is informed before they give consent
d. Guarantees the plan will be accurately carried out
a. Identifies unwanted procedures before they are used
b. Involves consumer in goal selection
c. Ensures client is informed before they give consent
Behavioral Assessment Funnel
- Due to the ongoing nature, behavioral assessment requires different methods at different points in tx
- Hawkins (1979) described 5 phases, characterized across two main features
- Assessment Scope
- Assessment Fidelity
Assessment Scope
*The Range of info gathered & degree of focus on the issue in an assessment
Assessment Fidelity
- The Accuracy of info gathered in an assessment
- Relates directly to both the internal validity & reliability of info gathered during assessment
Validity (of Measurement )
*The extent to which the data obtained are directly related to the relevant target bx
Reliability (of Measurement)
- The extent to which measurement(s) of the same event yield(s) the same result
- Relates to the consistency of the measurement method
- Contrast with accuracy: The closeness of a measured value to a known standard value
Behavioral Assessment Funnel:
Hawkin’s Five Phases
- Screening & general disposition- Preliminary assessment
- Definition of problem or achievement - Indirect & Direct descriptive assessment
- Pinpointing & design of intervention - Function analysis & baseline assessment
- Monitoring of progress
- Follow-up assessment
Assessments that are higher in fidelity tend to be ____ in scope.
a. Narrower
b. Broader
a. Narrower
Assessments that are broad in scope tend to be ____ in fidelity.
a. Higher
b. Lower
b. Lower
Assessment Fidelity:
Reliability and Internal Validity
- Increases in fidelity = Increases in Reliability & Internal validity
- The extent to which an assessment tool provides info that is: Reliable (consistent), Valid (focused on the target phenomenon)
- Primary focus of behavioral assessment: The Functional relation btw bx & the Env
2 Other Types of Validity in Bx Analysis
- External Validity
- Social Validity
Assessments of Client Needs
- Functional bx assessment
- Skills assessment: strengths/ deficits
- Functional communication
- Preference assessment Vs. ….
- Reinforcer/ punisher assessment
- Appropriate “therapeutic” Env
Which of the following are behavioral assessments of client needs?
a. Skills assessments
b. Preference assessments
c. Personality inventories
d. Diagnostics observation schedules
e. Function assessments
a. Skills assessments
b. Preference assessments
e. Function assessments
Referral Problem
*Stated/ reported issue with bx by the referring party
Some Types of Problems
- Skill deficits
- Problems with performance
- Problems with stimulus control or generality
- Behavioral excess or prob bx
*Skill Deficits
“Can’t do problem”
-Doesn’t do the skill at all
-Does it, but not independently
Needs assistance
-Does it, but doesn’t initiate
Needs initial prompts
Which of the following are types of problems with behavior?
a. Skill deficits
b. Incompatible personality traits
c. Problems with performance
d. Behavioral excess
e. Lacking personal agency
a. Skill deficits
b. Problem with performance
d. Behavioral excess
Performance Problem
*Won’t do:
-Compliance issues e.g. toothbrushing vs. table-setting
*Strength of performance issue:
-Does, but not well enough (lacks mastery)
-Does well enough, but…
Lacks Fluency
Not Frequently enough
e. g. Not well enough; Dishes still dirty after washing
- Lacks Fluency: letter identification: b, p, d, q
- Not frequently enough; washing hands, cleaning tables @ the restaurant
An employee is training to assemble pizza boxes for delivery. They assemble 50 boxes in the allotted time each morning but need to assemble 300. This is an example of which problem with behavior?
a. Skill deficit
b. Performance problem
b. Performance problem
Stimulus Control Problem
*Lacks appropriate stimulus control
-Does at wrong time or place
*A Review:
Stimulus control is seen when a dimension of a bx is altered by the presence or absence of an antecedent stimulus
Generality Problem
- Lacks Generality: Does, but only under limited circumstances
- A review: Generality of bx change is seen when a learned bx lasts over time, is exhibited in untrained settings & the effect of learning spreads to other “untreated” bxs
Which would be an example of a problem with stimulus control?
a. A student writes their name clearly, but only at home
b. A student cannot write their name clearly
c. A student writes their name clearly but writes o the wall
c. A student writes their name clearly but writes o the wall
Which would be an example of a problem with generality?
a. A student writes their name clearly, but only at home
b. A student cannot write their name clearly
c. A student who can write their name clearly but only does it sometimes
a. A student writes their name clearly, but only at home
Issue with Behavioral Excess
- Does too much
e. g. Piling too much food in a buffet, Keep shaking hands too long, drinking too much water causing medical prob
What About Problem Behavior?
- Functional behavioral assessment (FBA): Inappropriate bx
- Prob bx: Bx excess
- Performance-related problems
- Performance problems
- Problems with generality
- Faulty stimulus control
Other Specialized Assessments for Behavior-Based Issues
- Skill deficits: Skill assessments
- Task analyses
- Social skills assessments etc.
- Vocational skills assessments etc.
- Assessments of elementary verbal operants
- Preference & reinforcer assessments
A student requests attention appropriately at home but does not do so at school. This could be best conceptualized as a(n):
a. Stimulus control problem
b. Problem with generality
c. Behavioral excess
b. Problem with generality
Which would be the best example of a behavioral excess?
a. A technician takes too long to enter data
b. A student only completes a question when working with the lead teacher
c. A student asks for help during each problem they attempt to complete
c. A student asks for help during each problem they attempt to complete
Preliminary Assessment
(Initial assessment phase where the broad outline of the case & details of the presenting problem are first evaluated
-AKA screening
Purpose of Preliminary Assessment
- To determine:
- Does this case belong here?
- What further assessments maybe useful? What are the best next steps?
Scope & Fidelity of Preliminary Assessment
*Scope: Broad
-This first assessment gathers information across a broad range of topics & behaviors
Scope & Fidelity of Preliminary Assessment
*Fidelity: Low
-The info gathered is of widely varying value & accuracy, but gives a general picture of the case
Preliminary Assessment Goals
- Gather basic info on the case
- Determine if behavioral services are desired, needed & appropriate
- Determine if “other” services are needed/ appropriate
- Determine if you are the appropriate ABA service provider in this case
- Recommend a plan for moving fwd
Basic Information
-(Gather basic info on the case)
- Who is referring the case?
- Who is the potential service recipient: How old, Where residing etc.
- Is consent at issue? Guardian?
- Why has this case been referred at this time?
- What is the basic prob?
ABA Services Needed?
-(Determine if behavioral services are desired, needed & appropriate)
- Is it really a problem with Bx?
- Is the prob with the prospective client or someone else?
- Can a simple environmental adjustment solve the problem?
- Are services desired?
Preliminary assessments are _________ in scope and _______ in fidelity
- Broad
- Low
Gathering basic information on the case in a preliminary assessment must be done by a behavior analyst.
-False
ABA Services Desired & Needed?
-Ques to Ask:
- Are the problems significant enough to require intervention?
- Are the problems amenable to environmental manipulations?
Problems Significant Enough?
- Problems significant enough to require intervention?
- e.g: The 2-yr old who freq spills his milk & does not say many words
Determine if “Other” Services are needed/ appropriate
Need for Other Professionals
*Determine whether services from other professionals maybe needed in place of, or in addition to, behavioral services (e.g. medical services)
Alternative Services:
Medical
*Rule out potential biological/ medical conditions
- Seek medical evaluations, especially when new Topographies emerge
- Sergio’s skin
- Linda drops her beads & sticks
- Rocko’s fingernails
- Betsy’s new bx
- How about other services? Social services, other licensed professionals
Determine if you are the right provider
- If ABA services are desired & needed
- Determine if you are qualified to take the case
- If you have the time likely to be needed for this case
- Stay current with Bx Analyst cert Board Ethical requirements
Which of the following must be met before accepting a case?
a. The individual’s needs align with the benefits of service
b. Clients must want services
c. A medical consultation has been conducted
d. Provider must have the time & resources to deliver service
a. The individual’s needs align with the benefits of service
b. Clients must want services
d. Provider must have the time & resources to deliver service
Preliminary Assessment Steps
- Determine who has the authority to give consent for services
- Determine if you have the permission, skills, time & resources to begin the assessment & to provide the follow-up behavioral services
- Complete initial intake paperwork or the equivalent (mainly clerical)
Preliminary Assessment Steps (Cont…d)
- Initial review of available records/ data
- Nor yet the comprehensive records review - Meet the client, if appropriate, for initial observations
- Document the “disposition”
- Preliminary assessment results: Outline an initial service delivery plan, or recommend an alternative
Preliminary Assessment: Step 1
- Determine who has the authority to give consent for services
- Ensure that individual/ agency providing the referral has authority & consent to discuss the case with you
- Determine who can provide direct consent for service
Preliminary Assessment: Step 2
- Determine whether you have the permission, skills, time & resources to begin assessment & provide the follow-up services
- Step includes bulk of the screening process
* Initial consent, including responsibilities & expectations (explain the process & obtain consent)
Preliminary Assessment: Step 3
- Complete any necessary initial paperwork
-This provides access to necessary info to complete preliminary assessment
(may come b4 step 2)
Preliminary Assessment: Step 4
- Review records & available data
- When you engage in this activity depends on your access to the records
Preliminary Assessment: Step 5 Meet Client
- Meet client:
- Establish rapport
- Conduct a preliminary interview
- Make informal observations
Preliminary Assessment: Step 6 Document the disposition
- Document the disposition:
- Write up preliminary assessment results:
- Recommend bx services & appropriateness for the case
- Recommend other services if needed
* Complete all final intake paperwork contract an sign
The first step to take before beginning a preliminary assessment is to:
a. Meet & observe the client
b. Determine who has the authority to consent for services
c. Review records & available data
b. Determine who has the authority to consent for services
Behavioral assessment first informs a behavior analyst’s decision on:
a. How much to change
b. How to intervene
c. Where to intervene
d. Whether or not to intervene
d. Whether or not to intervene
Indirect Assessment
- A progress in which info is gathered on Bx through descriptions & recollections rather than through direct observation
- “Tell me” methods
Indirect Assessment Methods
- These are considered the “tell me “ methods of info transfer:
- Witnesses tell the assessor about the bx, directly or in writing
- This occurs earlt in the assessment process
- New prob = New assessment
Types of Indirect Assessment Methods
- Review of records
- Structured forms
e. g. questionnaires, rating scales, bx checklists - Interviews
Records Review
*Gathering info via review of existing written records & other stored info
Scope & Fidelity of Records Review
- Scope: Medium-level
- The assessment begin to narrow in on the prob in this phase
- Fidelity: Low-Medium
- The reliability ranges from poor to good
- A variety of info is reviewed Validity varies
- Better than preliminary assessment, but still not focused
Records Review Types
2 General Types
- Review of current existing records e.g. clinical, medical, educational, legal
- Archival review
- Typically for individuals with a long history of clinical &/ or residential care
Purpose of Records Review
- Gather info regarding:
- Issues related to current & past bx: prog, repertoire etc
- Environmental factors
- Medical history
- Medication history
- Legal status/ proceedings
Types of Records to Review
- All evaluations/ assessments
- Medical records, past and current professional assessments
- Support plans, IPP, IEP
- Treatment plans
- Progress notes
- Data displays of any kind
- Incident/ disciplinary reports
- Correspondence/ e-mails
Which type of records review is most often conducted by behavior analysts?
a. Review of current existing records
b. Archival review
a. Review of current existing records
A records review typically has a ______ scope and _____ fidelity
- Medium
- Low-Medium
Which of the following is true regarding caregiver interviews?
(check all that apply)
a. It may be relevant to also interview the client
b. Carefully observe interactions before and after the interview
c. Intentionally discuss problem behavior with client present and observe and record client reaction
a. It may be relevant to also interview the client
b. Carefully observe interactions before and after the interview
Structured Forms
*Structured ques, Likert scales, or checklist used to gather info about bx & the env during a behavioral assessment
Scoop and Fidelity of Structured Forms
- Scope: Medium Band information-gathering
- Fidelity: Low-Medium validity and reliability
- Again there is a range here
- Look for consistencies and inconsistencies in the answers on scales
Purpose of Structures Forms
- Designed to help define the topography, scope, frequency and/ or the function of a bx of interest
- Low-cost, low-effect tools to collect initial info on bx
E.g. of Questionnaires
- Functional Analysis ScreeniNG Tool (FAST): Iata and Deleon (1996)
- Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF): Paclawskyj et al. (2000)
E.g. of Rating Scales
- Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS): Durand and Crimmins (1992)
- Self-injury Trauma (SIT) Scale: Iwata et al. (1990)
Structured Forms Use
-Filled out independently by caregiver(s)
-Guided by a skilled interviewer
These tend to provide more in-depth info than the simpler rating scales or even independently completed forms
Reliability and Validity of Questionnaires
More recent research has demonstrated that this type of tool generally obtains low scores for both reliability & validity
What is the scope of structured forms?
A. Broad
B. Medium
C. Narrow
B. Medium
Structured forms are considered to have what level of fidelity?
A. High
B. Medium to Low
C. None
B. Medium to Low