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A survey of functional behavior assessment methods used by behavior analysts in practice
Anthony C Oliver1, Leigh A Pratt1, Matthew P Normand1
1UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|September 29, 2015
Summary
Behavior analysts frequently use functional behavior assessment (FBA) methods, particularly descriptive assessments. However, functional analyses are underutilized in practice despite being considered highly useful.
Area of Science:
- Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Psychology
Background:
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a critical process for understanding behavior.
- Behavior analysts are certified professionals who implement behavior analytic interventions.
- Understanding current FBA practices is essential for professional development and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current practices of behavior analysts regarding Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) methods.
- To identify which FBA methods are most frequently used and considered most useful.
- To assess the extent to which FBA methods are taught in educational settings.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was distributed to 12,431 certified behavior analysts.
- A total of 724 surveys were returned, providing data on FBA usage.
- Data analysis focused on reported frequency and perceived usefulness of various FBA methods.
Main Results:
- Most respondents regularly employ FBA methods, with descriptive assessments being the most common.
- The majority of students receive formal instruction on various FBA methods.
- Less than half of behavior analysts utilize functional analyses in practice, despite recognizing their utility.
Conclusions:
- Descriptive assessments are widely used, while functional analyses are less common in practice.
- There is a perceived discrepancy between the usefulness and application of functional analyses.
- Educational programs appear to be effectively teaching a range of FBA methods to future behavior analysts.
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