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Functional Behavior Assessment Paper

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Development of an intervention is the final step in the functional behavior assessment (FBA) process. In the completion of the FBA antecedent and reinforcing contingencies are identified which can be manipulated to prevent the behavior from occurring, remove reinforcement for engaging in the undesired behavior, or be utilized to reinforce alternate behaviors (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). An FBA is a necessary component of the intervention process in that it provides the necessary information with regard to the function of the behavior through the systematic manipulation of environmental variables thought to maintain the problem under controlled conditions; yielding a clear demonstration of the interaction between the independent variable …show more content…

Utilizing self-management strategies, a person engages in a controlling behavior through implementing strategies to manipulate the antecedents and consequences of target behaviors which make the controlled or target behavior more or less likely to occur. Controlling behaviors may be setting goals, self-monitoring, or have reinforcing or punishing effects on the target behavior which causes a change in frequency of occurrence. Through a program of self-management one can learn to live a more successful life, achieve goals, replace bad habits with better habits, learn new skills, and master difficult …show more content…

In completing a descriptive assessment information is gathered in the natural environment which provides a clearer view of the functional relationship between the behavior and controlling factors (Mayer, Sulzer-Azaroff, & Wallace, 2014). The descriptive assessment utilized a modified interval recording procedure. Measured behaviors included frequency of coffee and water consumption, going outside as an escape from studying, and candy consumption. Through completion of the descriptive assessment it was identified the participant engages in drinking coffee as an escape on average 4.6 times per hour; consuming candy as an escape 1.56 times per hour; and going outside as an escape 2.5 times per hour. While water is consumed, on average, .59 times per hour. A hypothesis developed during this phase was the competing behavior is maintained through escape and because of their abolishing effects they reduce the value of

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