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The significance and future of functional analysis methodologies.
1The University of Pennsylvania.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Functional analysis, a method for understanding aberrant behavior, has significantly advanced applied behavior analysis. This approach emphasizes environmental factors in behavior and treatment selection, bridging basic and applied research.
Area of Science:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavioral Psychology
Background:
- The identification of operant functions in aberrant behavior was historically challenging.
- Early approaches often relied on less precise 'default technologies'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the significance of functional analysis in applied behavior analysis.
- To highlight its impact on treatment selection and research integration.
Main Methods:
- Review of the seminal 1982 work by Iwata et al. establishing a standardized methodology.
- Discussion of the principles and applications of functional analysis.
Main Results:
- Functional analysis reduced reliance on default interventions.
- It promoted the analysis of environmental factors maintaining behavior.
- It fostered integration between basic and applied behavioral research.
Conclusions:
- Functional analysis is a cornerstone of modern applied behavior analysis.
- It provides a robust framework for understanding and treating aberrant behavior.
- Further research directions are needed to expand its applications.