Partially Automated Training for Implementing, Summarizing, and Interpreting Trial-Based Functional Analyses.

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Child Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) is an effective method for assessing challenging behavior.
• Training parents and teachers in TBFA is feasible but can be resource-intensive.
• Current training methods may limit the widespread adoption of TBFA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a partially automated training package for TBFA.
• To increase the accessibility of TBFA methodology for caregivers.
• To assess caregiver proficiency in implementing, interpreting, and managing TBFA data.

Main Methods:

• A multiple-probe across skills design was employed.
• Six caregivers were trained using the partially automated package.
• Caregiver accuracy was assessed through roleplays and real-world application.

Main Results:

• All six caregivers achieved proficiency in TBFA implementation after training.
• Caregivers demonstrated competence in interpreting TBFA outcomes.
• Caregivers successfully managed TBFA data following the training intervention.

Conclusions:

• A partially automated training package can effectively enhance caregiver accuracy in conducting TBFAs.
• This training approach increases the accessibility of TBFA for practical application in homes and schools.
• The findings support the use of automated training to disseminate behavior analytic assessment methods.