Abbreviated functional analysis and treatment

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2014

First Committee Member

Roscoe, Eileen

Second Committee Member

Thomason-Sassi, Jessica

Third Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Abstract

"Although functional analyses are considered best practice for identifying the maintaining variables for problem behavior, clinicians have expressed concern regarding the time commitment required to complete them. The purpose of the current study was to extend previous work on brief functional analyses by assessing the utility of a functional analysis format that incorporates abbreviated sessions, repeated measures, and a 25 min function-based treatment assessment. Seven students with an autism spectrum disorder who exhibited problem behavior participated. Abbreviated functional analysis and treatment sessions were only 5 min in duration, and no more than three sessions of each functional analysis condition were conducted. A multielement design was used to demonstrate experimental control during the functional analysis and treatment assessment. For cases that yielded clear functional analysis outcomes, brief treatment probes using a differential reinforcement intervention were conducted. For 3 of the 7 participants, a maintaining variable was identified in 75 minutes and brief treatment probes were conducted but were inconclusive."

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