A procedure for identifying precursors to problem behavior.
We describe a procedure for differentiating among potential precursor responses for use in a functional analysis. Conditional probability analysis of descriptive assessment data identified three potential precursors. Results from the indirect assessment corresponded with those obtained from the descriptive assessment. The top-ranked response identified as a precursor according to the indirect assessment had the strongest relation according to the probability analysis. When contingencies were arranged for the precursor in a functional analysis, the same function was identified as for target behavior, supporting the utility of indirect and descriptive methods to identify precursor behavior empirically.
Herscovitch
Brandon
B
New England Center for Children, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772, USA.
Roscoe
Eileen M
EM
Libby
Myrna E
ME
Bourret
Jason C
JC
Ahearn
William H
WH
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D012951:Socialization; D019956:Stereotypic Movement Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*