Target Behaviors. The targeted behaviors (also called problem behavior) need to be described operationally, so that a neutral third party would recognize the behavior without being told.
The general idea is to come up with a definition of a target (problem) behavior that will guide measurement/treatment decisions. A mere “label” for the behavior rarely provides sufficient direction, so the clinician describes the features observers are supposed to use to decide which of all the things an individual does should be recorded as an instance of the target/problem behavior and, by exclusion, which should not. For example, an intervention may target “tantrumming,” but observers need to know exactly what about this kind of behavior should be recorded or not.
What seems to justify calling the resulting definition “operational” is that it specifies the observing criteria that are supposed to be used in a particular project or clinical intervention. The same summary label for the behavior (e.g., tantrumming) might be used in many other circumstances, but it is “operationalized” in each case by a particular definition. An operational definition specifies at least part of the operations (observing and recording) involved in measuring a target behavior. This reasoning makes sense, of course. A simple label for a behavior is almost always an inadequate basis by itself for guiding observing and recording procedures. There will typically be good reasons for why a detailed definition of any one behavioral label will need to vary from one case to another.
The description may include: intensity (how loud do they scream?) frequency (how often to they scream, say per hour,) and duration (how long do they scream?) A “tantrum” especially needs an operational definition. The term “tantrum” is vague and does not specify the behavior taking place.
Behavior must be defined in observable, measurable terms. "Threatens school personnel" is not an adequate target behavior. "Threatens school personnel by aggressive posture, invading personal space, and using verbally threatening and abusive language" is a specific target behavior. This behavior is both observable and measurable.
Behavior must be stated in a way that it’s occurrence can be counted each time it happens. There must be a clear beginning and end to the behavior.
Will a stranger know what to look for based on the statement of behavior? Will a stranger be able to know if/when the behavior is occurring based on the definition of the behavior?
You should NOT be able to break the target behavior down into smaller components if it is stated correctly.
Address only ONE (1) target behavior at a time.