Functional behavioral assessment as an individualized, operant-based problem-solving process¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 quant-synthesis), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The report defines FBA as "an individualized problem-solving process for addressing student problem behavior". Grounded in operant conditioning, it holds that behaviors are maintained by their consequences or functions, such as reinforcement. Assessment identifies the environmental conditions preceding problem behavior and the rewards maintaining it, and the resulting information is used to design individualized interventions that reduce problem behaviors and increase positive behaviors. The report notes FBA has no single developer; researchers have produced interview protocols, survey instruments, and observational tools for gathering information about functional relationships between students' behaviors and their environments.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Assessment must identify the purpose or function of a student's problem behavior, including antecedents and reinforcing consequences, before an intervention is selected.

Constraints¶

• Because interventions are individualized per student, the report states cost information for teacher training or implementation is not available.

Target Learners¶

• Children identified with or at risk for an emotional disturbance, grades K-12

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Reducing problem behaviors and increasing positive behaviors that impede learning

Claims¶

• Fba Potentially Positive School Engagement [+M]
• Fba Potentially Positive Problem Behavior [+M]
• Single-case evidence on FBA-based interventions for social-emotional competence does not reach the threshold for an effectiveness rating [~W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• FBA data collection and analysis process: indirect, direct observation, summarizing, and functional analysis
• Select individualized FBA-based intervention components matched to each student's assessed behavior function
• Functional Behavior Assessment
• Functional Behavioral Assessment

Key Sources¶

• What Works Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Functional Behavioral Assessment-based Interventions: Children Identified With or At Risk for an Emotional Disturbance. WWC Intervention Report. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/InterventionReport/667