the scientific investigation demonstrated in the FBA is the experimental analysis
The highest level of scientific investigation demonstrated in the FBA is the experimental analysis. The experimental analysis exemplifies the rigor of control as the practitioner manipulates environmental variables to evoke and abate the problem behavior. The consistent control of evoking and abating the target behavior demonstrates the functional relationship between environmental variable(s) and the target behavior(s).
For this assignment, select an experimental analysis of problem behaviors such as Iwata’s full functional analysis (FA), brief FA, latency-based FA, trial-based FA, precursor FA, or the IISCA. Provide the benefits and limitations of the selected experimental analysis. Describe the conditions of your experiment to test the hypothesized function(s) or contingencies influencing the behaviors of concern. Provide hypothetical data and a visual display (graph). Be sure to incorporate values of compassion and cultural humility when selecting and conducting the experimental analysis. You can refer to the Capella Compassion Code [DOCX] for more details.
Part 1: Select the Experimental Analysis
Select the experimental analysis to be conducted for your functional behavior assessment. Provide the benefits and limitations of the selected experimental analysis. Provide a rationale for why you have chosen this method for the person or character you chose in your first assignment. Please include in your rationale how you considered compassionate approaches when selecting your experimental analysis.
Part 2: Describe the Experimental Analysis
Describe the conditions and procedures of your experimental analysis. Be sure to program for the appropriate establishing operations as suspected from the descriptive assessment. Please include in your rationale how you considered compassionate approaches when conducting your experimental analysis.
Part 3: Display Hypothetical Data and Interpret Results
For ethical reasons, DO NOT conduct an actual experimental analysis of behavior for this assignment. Instead, generate hypothetical data to show outcomes you might expect if you were to conduct the experimental analysis. Present the hypothetical data and result of the experimental analysis in a visual display. Be sure to use an appropriate graph to display the data, demonstrating experimental control. Interpret the results.
Part 4: Conclude the Experimental Analysis
Conclude the results of the experimental analysis by confirming the functional control between environmental variables and problem behaviors. In other words, confirm the function(s) influencing problem behaviors. For the IISCA, confirm the functional control between the synthesized contingencies and problem behaviors.
Additional Requirements
Your assignment should meet the following requirements:
Written communication: This should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for more information on how to cite your sources.
Resources: A sufficient number of scholarly or professional resources.
Length: 4–5 double-spaced pages.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point.
Refer to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research GuideLinks to an external site. for help finding resources.
Refer to the Experimental Analysis rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.
Competencies Measured
By completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
Competency 1: Assess the environmental variables and functions of behavior.
Describe the conditions aligned with information from the descriptive analysis of the selected experimental analysis.
Competency 2: Assess the client's skills, deficits, and preferences to determine appropriate intervention needs.
Explain the rationale for choosing a particular experimental analysis, including the benefits and limitations.
Competency 3: Apply knowledge of functions of behavior.
Provide a visual display of data and interpret the data with minimal errors.
Confirm the function(s) or contingencies influencing problem behaviors based on the experimental analysis, and it is supported by the visual display with minimal errors.
Competency 4: Apply compassionate approaches to assessment procedures.
Explain how compassionate approaches were considered when selecting and implementing the assessment procedures.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.
Sample Solution
The provided excerpt is a great start to your Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) using a Brief Functional Analysis (BFA). Here are some suggestions to further develop Parts 2, 3, and 4:
Part 2: Describing the Experimental Analysis
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Conditions: Expand on the description of each condition by detailing specific actions or procedures. Here's an example for the Attention condition:
- Attention: Provide the child with specific, positive verbal praise (e.g., "Wow, you raised your hand nicely!") immediately following appropriate behavior (e.g., raising hand to ask a question). Ignore tantrums completely (provide no verbal or nonverbal attention).
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Establishing Operations (EOs): Refine the EOs to directly target the hypothesized functions.
- Attention: Present tasks that are likely to be successful for the child, increasing the likelihood of appropriate behaviors seeking attention.
- Escape: Present a more challenging task followed by a short, pre-determined break to increase the likelihood of escape-motivated tantrums.
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Compassionate Considerations: Expand on how you'll ensure the child feels safe and supported throughout the BFA. For example:
- Briefly explain how you'll collaborate with the teacher to prepare the child for the BFA in a developmentally appropriate way.
- Mention incorporating short breaks with preferred activities throughout the sessions to maintain engagement and minimize frustration.
Part 3: Displaying Hypothetical Data and Interpreting Results
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Hypothetical Data: Consider including data for all four conditions (Baseline, Attention, Escape, Access) with a larger sample size (e.g., 10 sessions per condition) for a more reliable interpretation.
Full Answer Section
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Visual Display: Create a bar graph with the conditions on the x-axis and average frequency of tantrums per session on the y-axis. Ensure the graph is labeled clearly and includes a title.
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Interpretation of Results: Analyze the data thoroughly, comparing the frequency of tantrums across conditions. Look for the most significant decrease to identify the primary function.
Part 4: Conclusion
- Confirming Function(s): Based on the data analysis, definitively state the function(s) most likely maintaining the tantrum behavior. Mention any limitations of the BFA and the need for further assessment if necessary.
Additional Tips:
- Consider including a brief overview of the ethical considerations when conducting an FBA with a minor, emphasizing informed consent from parents/guardians.
- Remember to cite any sources you use within the text using APA style.
By incorporating these suggestions and completing Parts 2-4, you'll have a comprehensive FBA using a BFA that demonstrates a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach.