Comparison of traditional and trial-based methodologies for conducting functional analyses.
Functional analysis represents a sophisticated and empirically supported functional assessment procedure. While these procedures have garnered considerable empirical support, they are often underused in clinical practice. Safety risks resulting from the evocation of maladaptive behavior and the length of time required to conduct functional analyses may deter practitioners from using models of assessment with considerable empirical support. The current study evaluated a trial-based model of functional analysis that limited opportunities to engage in problem behavior and used 1-2 min sessions to shorten analysis time. The results from the trial-based analysis were then compared to the results of traditional functional analyses. Correspondence between both models of assessment was strong. Exact correspondence was observed for 4 of the 5 participants. In addition, the trial-based procedure did not require the repeated reinforcement of maladaptive behavior and results were obtained in 84.8% less time.
LaRue
Robert H
RH
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. larue@rci.rutgers.edu
Lenard
Karen
K
Weiss
Mary Jane
MJ
Bamond
Meredith
M
Palmieri
Mark
M
Kelley
Michael E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000379:methods*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D055815:Young Adult