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