Unit 7 Flashcards
A systematic gathering of information in order to make data-based decisions, regarding behavior and the environment.
Behavioral Assessment
Preliminary indirect assessment
Direct descriptive assessment
Functional analysis (systematic manipulations)
Components of a Functional Assessment
Record Review
Interview
Paper-and-Pencil Questionnaires
Indirect Assessment Methods
Narrative Recording ABC Data Collection Measuring Dimensional and Dimensionless Quantities of Behavior Scatterplots Observation of Permanent Products
Direct Assessment Methods
Information regarding:
Current and past behavioral repertoire
environmental factors
medical history
Records Review
Consist of questions to ask within pre-selected topics
Behavioral Interviews
Select instrument
Decide who to interview
Decide where and when
Make an appointment
Prior to Interview
Build rapport Informally observe: Behavior Environment Appearance of persons
Beginning of Interview
Ask open-ended questions
Ask follow-up questions
Acknowledge responses
Write notes or use recorder
During an Interview
Identify, define, and describe:
The behaviors
Potential ecological events
Events that predict occurrence of behaviors
Potential function of behaviors
Functionally equivalent alternative behaviors
Communication methods
Potential reinforcers
History of target behavior and treatment(s)
Functional Assessment Interview Goals
Review notes/recording(s)
Summarize the findings:
Describe behavior
Identify environmental factors
Identify potential functions
Identify functionally equivalent behavior
Decide whether to continue behavioral assessment
After an Interview
Methods for identifying an individual’s preferences for tangible items or activities.
Preference Assessment (PA)
Indirect (Informant-based)
Naturalistic, direct observation
Reinforcer sampling (empirical)
Three general ways to conduct preference assessments
Interview or questionnaire
Indirect (informant-based)
Observation of daily activities
Naturalistic direct observation
Systematic preference assessment
Reinforcer Sampling
Conducted following a preference assessment to determine if the stimulus is a reinforcer
Reinforcer Assessments
One task is available during all phases.
No programmed consequences for task completion.
During reinforcement phase (B), contingent on task completion (typically on an FR1), the stimulus is delivered.
Single Operant
Two identical tasks are available
No programmed consequences for completing either task
Increase in task completion from BL to Sr phase, stimulus=reinforcer
Concurrent operant assessment
All stimuli presented on every trial
Multiple Stimulus with Replacement
All stimuli presented on 1st trial, selected stimuli removed on subsequent trials
Multiple Stimulus without Replacement
Stimuli presented in pairs
Paired stimulus
All stimuli available for entire session
Free to interact with as many or as few stimuli as they want
No stimuli are removed during the assessment
Free-operant procedure
Duration-based assessment designed to determine the extent to which stimuli displace problem behavior
Competing Stimulus Assessment
Assess reinforcer effectiveness as the response requirement increases.
Progressive Ration (PR) Schedules
