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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
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The Effects of Conducting a Functional Analysis on Problem Behavior in Other Settings: A Descriptive Study on
Nathan A Call1,2, Andrea R Reavis1, Seth B Clark1
11 Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Behavior Modification
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Conducting functional analyses (FAs) may ethically raise concerns about increasing problem behavior. This study found that FAs can increase, decrease, or have no effect on problem behavior outside of sessions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Applied behavior analysis
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Functional analyses (FAs) are used to understand the causes of problem behavior.
- Reinforcing problem behavior during FAs raises ethical concerns about potential increases outside of sessions.
Observation:
- This translational study investigated whether conducting an FA increased problem behavior outside of the FA setting.
- A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants design was used.
- Problem behavior rates were measured before and during FA sessions.
Findings:
- Results showed idiosyncratic effects: problem behavior outside the FA setting could increase, decrease, or remain unaffected.
- The impact of FAs on behavior outside sessions varied among participants.
Implications:
- These findings highlight the need for careful ethical consideration during FA implementation.
- Further research is needed to understand the variables influencing these varied outcomes.
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