Document Type
Dissertation
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree
PhD in Behavior Analysis
Dissertation Defense Date
2020
First Committee Member
Hanley, Gregory P.
Second Committee Member
Dickson, Chata A.
Third Committee Member
Roscoe, Eileen M.
Additional Committee Member(s)
Thompson, Rachel H.
Abstract
"General and long term outcomes of functional analysis training have not yet been reported. Within a randomized control trial, we trained 18 behavior analytic practitioners to design and conduct a practical functional assessment (PFA) of severe problem behavior, which relies on an interview and personalized analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, and those who experienced the seminar prior to conducting the process with a confederate demonstrated more PFA component skills than those who were provided the same materials but who did not experience the seminar (mean scores: 87%, 36% respectively). Participants who experienced the seminar also considered the training valuable and reported greater confidence in their ability to achieve control in an analysis. Several participants then conducted a PFA with a client who engaged in severe problem behavior. Results showed that their skills transferred to these authentic applications. Results suggest that a seminar-based training can increase practitioners’ ability to functionally analyze problem behavior and leads to subsequent analytic activity."
Recommended Citation
Whelan, Cory J., "A randomized controlled trial of a seminar-based training on the accurate and general implementation of the practical functional assessment process" (2020). Doctoral Dissertations - College of Arts and Sciences. 67.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/casdissertations/67
