ABA Exam CoachLessons · F. Behavior Assessment
F.6 · Designing and reading functional analyses
Interviews and ABC data only suggest why a behavior happens. A functional analysis is how you test it. Let's set one up and read the graph like a pro.
Key takeaway
A functional analysis tests each possible function by setting up a motivating operation and delivering the matching reinforcer after problem behavior. You compare each test condition with a play control, usually in a multielement design. Responding that is consistently higher in one test condition than in play identifies the function. Responding that is high everywhere, including alone and play, points to automatic reinforcement. Responding that is low or variable means you change the design. It doesn't mean the behavior has no function.
A functional analysis tests each possible function by setting up a motivating operation and delivering the matching reinforcer after problem behavior. You compare each test condition with a play control, usually in a multielement design. Responding that is consistently higher in one test condition than in play identifies the function. Responding that is high everywhere, including alone and play, points to automatic reinforcement. Responding that is low or variable means you change the design. It doesn't mean the behavior has no function.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.