Which of the following summarizes the steps to conduct a basic functional analysis in a school setting?

Which of the following summarizes the steps to conduct a basic functional analysis in a school setting?

• A. Identify target behavior; hypothesize functions; design test conditions for attention, escape, alone, and play; collect data across conditions; compare results to identify function; implement function-based intervention.
• B. Identify target behavior; observe and record functional behaviors.
• C. Hypothesize functions; implement punishment; ignore data.
• D. Define target behavior and immediately implement generalized reinforcement.

Answer: (B)

In a basic functional analysis in a school, you start by clearly identifying the target behavior and then systematically observing and recording what happens before and after that behavior. This data-driven observation helps you see patterns and infer the function—the purpose—the behavior serves, such as gaining attention or avoiding a task. Expanding the process to design and run test conditions that manipulate contingencies, or jumping straight to punishment or reinforcement without data, goes beyond a basic summary and isn’t appropriate for establishing function. So the best description is to identify the target behavior and observe and record functional behaviors.

In a basic functional analysis in a school, you start by clearly identifying the target behavior and then systematically observing and recording what happens before and after that behavior. This data-driven observation helps you see patterns and infer the function—the purpose—the behavior serves, such as gaining attention or avoiding a task. Expanding the process to design and run test conditions that manipulate contingencies, or jumping straight to punishment or reinforcement without data, goes beyond a basic summary and isn’t appropriate for establishing function. So the best description is to identify the target behavior and observe and record functional behaviors.