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Evaluation of the divided attention condition during functional analyses.
Tara A Fahmie1, Brian A Iwata, Jill M Harper
1CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|October 12, 2013
Summary
The divided attention condition in functional analyses (FAs) may yield faster results for some individuals compared to the standard attention condition. This suggests a potentially more efficient method for assessing problem behavior when resources permit.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Functional analyses (FAs) commonly use attention conditions to assess problem behavior.
- The standard attention condition involves therapist inattention followed by attention contingent on behavior.
- The divided attention condition modifies the antecedent by including a confederate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of typical and divided attention conditions in functional analyses.
- To determine which condition is more sensitive to general and problem behavior.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted comparing typical and divided attention conditions.
- Study 1 assessed general behavior sensitivity.
- Study 2 focused on problem behavior sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The divided attention condition led to faster acquisition or more efficient FA results for 2 out of 9 subjects.
- This indicates a potential advantage for the divided attention condition in specific cases.
Conclusions:
- The divided attention condition may be a preferred method for functional analyses when resources allow.
- Further research could explore its broader applicability and efficiency gains.
