Unit 9 Flashcards
Functional Assessment
Any formal methods used to identify sources of reinforcement that maintain problem behaviors
Functional Analysis
An experimental method that involves manipulating antecedents and consequences to determine their effect on behavior
Methods used prior to Functional Assessment
“Behavior Modification” that focused on the topography of the response
Overreliance on punishment
Impacts of Functional Assessment
Changes in the treatment culture (shift awayfrom chemical and physical restraint) and increase in reinforcement-based studies
Efficacy of intervention (more effective treatment)
Functional relation
Change in an independent variable (IV) produces orderly and predictable change ina dependent variable (DV)
Assumptions of Functional Analysis of Behavior Disorders
Behavior problems are learned performances
Adaptive and maladaptive behaviors are learned in the same manner
Purpose of Functional Analysis of Behavior Disorders
To identify the maintaining variable (source of reinforcement) for a behavior
Can tell us the conditions under which the behavior is unlikely to occur
Basic Features of Functional Analysis
Direct observation
Measurement of behavior under test and control conditions
Learned functions of behavior disorders
Positive Social
Positive Automatic
Negative Social
Negative Automatic
Functional Analysis Methodology
Purpose: To test a specific hypothesis about the controlling variables for problem behavior
Multiple Control
More than one test condition is elevated relative to the control condition
Undifferentiated patterns of responding
There is not clear separation between any condition and the control condition
Possible causes for Undifferentiated patterns of responding
Difficulties in discrimination
Relevant variables not tested
Multiple control
May be more likely for low rate behaviors
2 models of FA methodology
Carr and Durand or
Iwata et al.
Most efficient and effective duration for functional analysis sessions
10 mins
Experimental designs used in Functional Analysis
Multielement (the typical experimental design used)Reversal and Pairwise (designs used to enhance discrimination in functional analysis)
Multielement Design
Rapidly alternate between conditionsPossible lack of discrimination between conditions
Reversal Design
One condition ran at a time
Less common because of amount of time required
May be more likely for low rate behaviors
Pairwise
One test condition alternated with control
May assist in discriminability of conditions
3 Potential constraints to conducting a functional analysis
- Limited Assessment Time
- Potentially dangerous behavior
- Limited control over the environment
Brief FA
Shortens the length of time to complete a FA for use in outpatient settings by doing only one session per condition
Progressive model of Functional Analysis
Model that progresses from brief FA to more extended assessments to identify functions of problem behavior
Maximizes efficiency and increases probability of identifying a function
Advantages of conducting a FA in a less controlled environment
Less disruption to the client’s routine
Requires fewer resources
Idiosyncratic Variables
Variables that are not tested in the standard functional analysis
Topographies of behavior to reinforce in a FA
Most efficient to focus on all topographies
If necessary, place topographies on extinction until all topographies emerge
Requirements to conduct a FA
Potential benefits outweigh potential risks
Protective procedures are in place
Controlled setting available
Sufficient trained staff
Informed consent
BA has procedural expertise
Procedures reviewed & approved
Advantages of experimental analysis
Allows us to talk validly about cause-and-effect relationshipIsolates relevant variables
Increases the likelihood that ineffective or unnecessary procedures are avoided
Limitations of experimental analysis
Failure to identify the full range of controlling variables
Failure to identify the specific features of a situation that occasion the problem behavior
Potential for iatrogenic effects
Time and laborintensive
May not simulate the natural environment
