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A Clinical Tutorial on Using a Concurrent Operant Analysis in the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior
Kayla R Randall1, Michael P Kranak2,3
1Department of Psychology, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
|June 12, 2026
Summary
A concurrent operant analysis (COA) offers a practical alternative to functional analysis (FA) for assessing problem behavior when FA is not feasible. This method uses direct observation and manipulation to supplement functional behavior assessments (FBA).
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Functional Analysis (FA) is a cornerstone for assessing problem behavior, but limitations exist.
- Situations arise where FA is not feasible or yields inconclusive results.
- Alternative assessment methods are needed to supplement traditional Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce Concurrent Operant Analysis (COA) as a viable alternative/supplement to FA.
- Provide a step-by-step guide for implementing COA in clinical practice.
- Highlight the benefits of COA over traditional FA in specific scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Direct observation and experimental manipulations form the core of COA.
- COA involves systematic assessment of behavior under varying conditions.
- This tutorial uses hypothetical examples to illustrate COA procedures.
Main Results:
- COA provides a feasible, acceptable, safe, and ecologically valid assessment.
- COA can yield undifferentiated results when FA is not ideal or possible.
- COA may avoid drawbacks associated with FA, such as evoking problem behavior.
Conclusions:
- COA is a valuable tool for supplementing FBA when FA is not suitable.
- Further research and clinical application of COA are encouraged.
- This tutorial aims to facilitate the adoption of COA in practice.
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