Title
Correspondence between functional analyses of mands and functional analyses of problem behavior
Abstract
When problem behavior is dangerous, there is precedent in the literature for inferring its function by conducting a functional analysis (FA) of less severe response topographies that reliably precede it (e.g., FAs of "precursor" behavior). In such cases, it could be advantageous to target socially desirable responses (e.g., mands) rather than less severe problem behavior. In our study, we compared the results of FAs of problem behavior with two FAs (one with prompts and one without) of mands and found poor correspondence in both instances. Although we conclude that FAs of mands are not viable replacements for FAs of problem behavior, these analyses may possess some therapeutic utility. Potential alternative uses for this methodology are discussed.
Department(s)
Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/15021149.2018.1535162
Keywords
functional analysis, precursor, challenging behavior, mand, functional communication training
Publication Date
2018
Recommended Citation
Lambert, Joseph M., Sarah E. Bloom, S. Shanun Kunnavatana, Megan A. Boyle, and Andrew L. Samaha. "Correspondence between functional analyses of mands and functional analyses of problem behavior." European Journal of Behavior Analysis 20, no. 1 (2019): 69-83.
Journal Title
European Journal of Behavior Analysis
