Which term refers to an analysis of the purposes (functions) of problem behavior, wherein antecedents and consequences representing those in the person's natural routines are arranged within an experimental design so that their separate effects on problem behavior can be observed and measured?

• A. GROUP CONTINGENCY
• B. HABITUATION
• C. FBA
• D. FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

Answer: (D)

Determining why problem behavior occurs by systematically testing how different triggers and outcomes influence the behavior is the idea behind a functional analysis. In this approach, antecendents (what happens before the behavior) and consequences (what follows the behavior) are arranged within an experimental design so you can observe their separate effects on the behavior. By isolating each variable, you can see which conditions increase or maintain the behavior and identify the function it serves—such as gaining attention, escaping a demand, accessing a tangible, or due to automatic reinforcement. This controlled manipulation and measurement of function is what makes a functional analysis the best fit.

Group contingency involves providing reinforcement to a group based on collective performance and isn’t about analyzing the function of a specific problem behavior. Habituation refers to a decreased response after repeated exposure to a stimulus and isn’t about evaluating the purposes of problem behavior. An FBA, or Functional Behavior Assessment, is a broader process that may include FA as a component, but FA specifically uses the experimental manipulation of antecedents and consequences to reveal the function of the behavior.