Functional Behavioral Assessment

Theoretical Principles

Functional behavioral assessment is rooted in the philosophical perspectives of empiricism, contextualism, and determinism. These positions assume that many problem behaviors are learned, that learning occurs through particular interactions, and that these interactions can be altered to produce desired changes in behavior. Learned behaviors refer to behaviors that occur (or fail to occur) because of how they are responded to by significant others or events in the individual's environment. Principles of operant conditioning contribute heavily to the learning theory principles underlying functional behavioral assessment.

The earliest formulation of operant principles is known as the law of effect. This law is based on the observation that voluntary behavior is influenced by its effects, namely, its consequences. According to the early version of the law of effect, behavior that produces satisfying consequences tends to become more frequent over time; behavior that produces discomfort tends to become less frequent. Subsequent revisions of the law of effect recognize the importance of relevant situational cues. That is, a behavior may have positive effects in one situation but negative effects in another situation. As a result, individuals become sensitive to situational cues, especially to antecedent cues that precede their behavior and allow them to determine whether a behavior is likely to produce positive or negative effects. Behavior is influenced not only by the effects that follow it but also by the situational cues that precede it.

During operant conditioning, the consequences of a behavior influence the frequency of the behavior in the future. Any operant behavior can be strengthened or weakened depending on the type of consequences that follow the behavior. Reinforcers are types of consequences that strengthen a behavior. Punishers are types of consequences that cause a behavior to become less frequent. Reinforcers and punishers can be either positive or negative, depending on whether the consequence involves the addition or obtaining of something or the removal or escape of something. Positive reinforcement, then, strengthens behavior through the addition of something desirable (e.g., money, smiles). Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior through the removal of something undesirable (e.g., chores). Positive punishment weakens behavior through the addition of something undesirable (e.g., social disapproval), and negative punishment weakens behavior through the removal of something desirable (e.g., access to a favorite toy or activity). According to behavioral theory, behavior is not random—those behaviors with strong reinforcement histories continue, and those that have been more strongly punished than reinforced will discontinue.

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