Psychology ABA 503- Assignment 2

Assignment 2

For this assignment, you will be using the data from assignment 1 (indirect assessment) and conducting the direct assessment portion of the functional behavior assessment (FBA). You will then write a hypothesis statement about the possible function of the target behavior(s).

Specific directions for Assignment 2:

1) Complete the Direct Assessment:

You will use the  Functional Assessment Observation Form  (FAOF, O’Neil et. al., 1997) Note: when you click the link, the form will be downloaded as a Word document.

Refer to  these instructions  for information on how to use this form.

Remember to review the recorded lecture “ How to Use Common Functional Assessment Tools: the MAS, QABF, FAI, and FAOF ” by Dr. Michael Weinberg, which explains how to use this form. 

Another example of how to use this form is provided in this  video .

2) For the sake of this assignment, we will focus on occurrences of the problem behavior at school. Therefore, the direct assessment data will be collected based on school observations.  

Use the information about the daily classroom schedule and the hypothetical data listed below to fill out the FAOF. 

Class Schedule: 

8:00 – 8:30 Homeroom activities

8:30 – 9:30 Math 

9:30 – 10:00 Free choice activities in the classroom 

10:00 -11:00 Reading 

11:00 – 11:30 Lunch in the cafeteria 

11:30 – 12:00 Recess on the playground with 2 other classes 

12:00 – 12:30 Science 

12:30 – 1:00 Social Studies 

1:00 – 2:00 “Specials” (music, art, etc. – conducted with at least one other class of students) 

2:00 – 2:30 Waiting for transportation while in the gym (multiple classes present) 

Observational Data: (You can make up the dates.)  

Day 1 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:15 am and 11:45 am. 

Day 2 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:40 am and 2:10 pm. 

Day 3 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:10 am, 1:10 pm, and 2:20 pm. 

Day 4 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:50 am, 1:20 pm, and 2:05 pm. 

Day 5 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:20 am, 11:50 am, and 2:15 pm. 

Day 6 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:55 am, 1:50 pm, and 2:25 pm. 

Day 7 – occurrences of problem behavior at 11:25 am, 11:55 am, and 2:08 pm.  

3) Write 2-3 paragraphs that contain the following information: 

a. A description of the FAOF (what it is and why you would use it).

b. An analysis and summary of the patterns of the target behavior (i.e., the time(s) of day, day(s) of occurrence, and circumstances or setting/people involved when the behavior is occurring with highest frequency).

c. A hypothesis statement in which you write a statement of the hypothesized function of the target behavior based on the data from your descriptive (indirect and direct) assessment. Your statement should include the following:

1.     MOs - under what setting events is the behavior more likely to occur

2.     Antecedents (NOT “triggers”) -  Sds that occur before the behavior and signal the availability of reinforcement for the target behavior

3.     Target behavior(s) 

4.     Hypothesized function (maintaining reinforcer for target behavior such as escape/avoidance, attention, access, or automatic positive/negative reinforcement).

Notes: 

i) There can be different functions for each target behavior, but please identify the most likely function for each behavior. 

ii) It is possible for all target behaviors to be maintained by the same function, which should be stated if that is the case.

iii) Use one of the four functions in the behavior analytic literature mentioned above. 

iv) Be sure to specify what reinforcer is linked to the function (e.g., attention may be the function, and the reinforcer might be teacher praise, or playing with a peer, etc.).

Be sure to turn in your completed assessments.

Please note: Your assignment should be submitted in a  Word Document format  using Times New Roman 12. The assignment must use APA format (see link to APA publication style in the course site resources.)  Please include an appropriate heading on your paper and references to support methods or procedures used.

Please be sure to save your work using the naming convention:

Student last name, first name, ABA 503 Assignment 2