Running head: FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT (FBA) 1

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

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Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) refers to the process of identification of target

behavior, aim of the behavior and factors contributing to the behavior. In order to carry out the

assessment on Axel, we apply the single-subject design. The design is used in this case since it

puts into consideration individual differences as compared to group designs, sensitive to groups’

average. The aim of using this design is to determine the effect of interventions of applied

research. The basic approach of study for the single-subject design is by visually inspecting the

plot. According to this design, an evaluation is made based on the effect an independent variable

had on the dependent variable. A visual inspection of the data is carried out with a focus on the

level of changes that result from variation in conditions. Trend is also observed in order to

ascertain the decrease and increase in the conditions (Kratochwill & Levin, 2015). All of these

observations are made and a deduction made with reference to the effect the treatment had on the

unwanted behavior. The graphical presentation below serves the discussed issues above.

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10

8
Variables

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Observations
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Indirect Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Indirect FBA process contains 5 phases that are condensed and are usually applied when

an immediate intervention is required or occurrence of the behavior is not frequent. Such

technique is useful in situations where a small group is concerned. In this case, Axel is the party

of interest (Crone, Hawken & Horner 2015). This FBA process involves use of verbal interviews

or written interviews. In the process, identification of the factors supporting the behavior are

dealt with. Regarding this situation, below is an interview form for the assessment of Axel.

Interview Report

Client name: Axel Therapist: Mariana

A. Definition of the problem

1. Describe the target behavior of the client.

Axel shows tantrum behavior.

B. Events relating to the behavior.

2. What situations do the behavior occur?

Location: ( ) living room, ( ) kitchen, ( ) dining room, ( ) bedroom

Time: ( ) morning, ( ) afternoon, ( ) evening, ( ) night, (specify)happens anytime of the

day

People: ( ) mother, ( ) father, ( ) sister, (specify)experience tantrums regardless of

anybody

Other:
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3. Do internal and external activities affect the target behavior?

Internal: (specify) Things that interrupt his actions, like switching off the television.

External: (specify)….

C. Events occurring before and after the target behavior

4. What usually happens before the client display the target behavior?

Specify: Axel displays some displeasure regarding whatever s happening around him.

5. What usually happens after the client display the target behavior?

Specify: Axel goes to sleep in his bedroom.

Direct Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Direct FBA refers to an in-depth assessment procedure which is applied in situations that

the target behavior is extreme in duration and frequency. The approach is suitable for making

critical decisions or making intensive decisions. The approach involves steps outlined below:

definition of the target behavior, data collection, hypothesis development, planning interventions

and evaluation of the plan’s effectiveness (Crone, Hawken & Horner 2015). In order to assess

Axel, the Frequency Data Sheet will be used to record the data obtained in the interview. From

the indirect assessment above, a visit should be conducted to make an in-depth evaluation of the

target behavior. The table below contains defined target behavior that will be examined in the

interview. The observed data obtained from the interview will be recorded on it.

Target Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day Day

Behavior 4 5
Tantrums 7 5 11 8 6
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Objects’ 3 8 4 9 11

throwing

Screaming 6 4 5 8 7

Non- 8 4 6 8 5

compliance
Rigidity 4 6 4 3 6

Figure showing the Frequency Data table

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) refers to an approach designed for teaching and reward

of positive behavior. This approach aids in stopping the unwanted behaviors. It is also important

for teaching children skills for solving problems (Gross & Kinnison 2017). For this case, we

focus on tantrums as the target behavior. The reason for this choice is because of the social

significance it has on Axel. Interventions aimed at improving this behavior is encouraged in

order to improve the quality of life for the child. From this point, a graph showing the frequency

of the target behavior is plotted as shown below.

Tantrums
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Frequency of occurence

0
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Days

Graph showing the frequency of the target behavior

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From the visual analysis of the graph above, it is observed that tantrums experienced by

Axel are on a constant fluctuation. The child does not have a defined frequency of occurrence of

the target behavior. Therefore, an intervention at this stage could be very important. The situation

is not extreme yet, thus, a reverse can be achieved by applying the necessary approaches.

In conclusion, the Functional Behavior Assessment Report for Parents (FBARP) shows

that the child is not worse in his behavior. Therefore, an immediate intervention should be made.

The intervention will entail a clear plan for the implementation. The child should also be made

comfortable while undergoing the treatment. All the stakeholders should be involved in every

step of the intervention in order to ensure accountability and transparency.

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References

Crone, D. A., Hawken, L. S., & Horner, R. H. (2015). Building positive behavior support

systems in schools: Functional behavioral assessment. guilford Publications.

Gross, R., & Kinnison, N. (2017). Psychology for nurses and health professionals. Routledge.

Kratochwill, T. R., & Levin, J. R. (Eds.). (2015). Single-case research design and analysis

(psychology revivals): new directions for psychology and education. Routledge.