Unit 7

Question 1

Behavioral Assessment

Answer 1

Behavioral Assessment

A systematic gathering of information in order to make data-based decisions regarding behavior and the environment.

Question 2

Characteristics of Behavioral Assessment

Answer 2

Focus on observable and measurable behavior; Behavior is in itself important; Ecological perspective; Behavior is situation-specific and extrinsically variable; Assessment is ongoing

Question 3

Behavioral Assessment Quasi-funnel

Answer 3

Hawkins’ model that shows how different methods are needed at different stages of the assessment process (Ranging in broad to narrow scope and high to low fidelity

Question 4

3 Components of a Functional Assessment

Answer 4

Preliminary indirect assessment Direct descriptive assessment
Functional analysis (systematic manipulations)

Question 5

Indirect Assessments

Answer 5

The “tell me” methods mostly used during the preliminary stages of assessment

Question 6

Types of Indirect Assessment Methods

Answer 6

Records Review Interview Paper-and-Pencil Questionnaires

Question 7

Direct Assessments

Answer 7

The “show me” methods which include directly observing and measuring behavior

Question 8

Types of Direct Assessments

Answer 8

Narrative Recording
 ABC Data Collection
Measuring Dimensional and Dimensionless Quantities of Behavior
Scatterplots
 Observation of Permanent Products

Question 9

Records Review

Answer 9

Reviewing information regarding: Current and past behavioral repertoire Environmental factors Medical history

Question 10

Documents to review during a Records Review

Answer 10

Evaluations/Assessments; Support plans (IEP. IHP, IPP), Activity/Class schedule; Treatment Plans; Progress Notes; Incident/”Disciplinary” Reports; Correspondence/emails

Question 11

Behavioral Interviews

Answer 11

Consist of questions to ask within pre- selected topics

Question 12

Prior to an Interview

Answer 12

Select instrument Decide who to interview Decide where and when Make an appointment

Question 13

Beginning of an Interview

Answer 13

Build rapport Informally observe:
Behavior Environment
Appearance of persons

Question 14

During an Interview

Answer 14

Ask open-ended questions
Ask follow-up questions
Acknowledge responses
Write notes or use recorder

Question 15

Functional Assessment Interview Goals

Answer 15

Identify, define, and describe:
The behaviors
Potential ecological events
Events that predict occurrence of behaviors Potential function of behaviors Efficiency of behaviors Functionally equivalent alternative behaviors Communication methods
Potential reinforcers
History of target behaviors and treatments

Question 16

After an Interview

Answer 16

Review notes/recording(s) Summarize the findings: Describe behavior
Identify environmental factors Identify potential functions Identify functionally equivalent behavior Decide whether to continue behavioral assessment

Question 17

Types of Paper-and-Pencil Questionnaires

Answer 17

Motivational Assessment Scale (MAS) Functional Assessment Screening Tool (FAST)
Self-injury Trauma (SIT) Scale
*The reliability and validity of these tools is typically low

Question 18

Reinforcer Identification

Answer 18

Essential for acquisition
Includes a 2-step process:
1. Preference assessment and 2. Reinforcer assessment

Question 19

Preference Assessments (PA)

Answer 19

Methods for identifying an individual’s preferences for tangible items or activities

Question 20

Three general ways to conduct preference assessments

Answer 20

1. Indirect (informant-based)
2. Naturalistic, direct observation
3. Reinforcer sampling (empirical)

Question 21

Indirect (informant-based) Assessment

Answer 21

Interview or Questionnaire

Question 22

Advantages and Disadvantages of Indirect Assessment

Answer 22

Advantage: simplicity, efficiency

Disadvantage: subjective and unreliable

Question 23

Naturalistic direct observation

Answer 23

Observation of daily activities and preferences

Question 24

Advantages and Disadvantages of Naturalistic Direct Observations

Answer 24

Advantage: Objective (based on direct observation)
Disadvantage: Time consuming, limited access to stimuli

Question 25

Reinforcer Sampling

Answer 25

A systematic preference assessment that includes a number of procedural variations

Question 26

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reinforcer Sampling

Answer 26

Advantage: Objective, Accommodates a wide range of stimuli and brand-new stimuli Disadvantage: Time consuming

Question 27

Reinforcer Assessments

Answer 27

Conducted following a preference assessment to determine if the stimulus is a reinforcer

Question 28

Single Operant Assessment

Answer 28

``` One task is available during all phases. During baseline (A), no programmed consequences for task completion. During reinforcement phase (B), stimulus is delivered contingent on task completion ((typically FR1) ```

Question 29

Concurrent Operant Assessment

Answer 29

Two identical tasks are available No programmed consequences for completing either task Increase in task completion from BL to Sr phase, stimulus = reinforcer

Question 30

Multiple Stimulus with Replacement (MSW)

Answer 30

All stimuli are presented on every trial (if an item is selected, it’s put back into the array and available again on the next trial)

Question 31

Multiple Stimulus without Replacement (MSWO)

Answer 31

The chosen item is removed from the array, the placement of remaining items is rearranged, and the next trial begins with a reduced number of items in the array

Question 32

Paired Stimulus Assessment

Answer 32

Consists of simultaneously presenting two stimuli and the observer recording which choice is made

Question 33

Free-operant assessment procedure

Answer 33

All stimuli available for entire session Free to interact with as many or as few stimuli as they want No stimuli are removed during the assessment

Question 34

Competing Stimulus Assessment

Answer 34

Duration-based assessment designed to determine the extent to which stimuli displace problem behavior

Question 35

Progressive Ratio (PR) Schedules

Answer 35

Assess reinforcer effectiveness as the response requirement increases systematically over time

Question 36

Pictorial Preference Assessment

Answer 36

Presenting pictures rather than using actual items or activities