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| Relating Descriptive Analysis and Indirect Assessments to Functional Analysis Outcomes |
| Tuesday, June 1, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Constitution A |
| Area: DDA/AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Timothy R. Vollmer (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: Learning Objectives
Distinguish between a descriptive analysis, indirect (anecdotal) assessment, and a functional analysis.
What is meant by a "structured" descriptive analysis?
How can a lag sequential analysis be used to identify possible contingencies of reinforcement? |
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| Clarifying Variables Associated with Problem Behaviors Using Structured Descriptive Assessment |
| AMANDA J. MCALLISTER (University of North Texas), Richard G. Smith (University of North Texas), Lloyd Buckner (University of North Texas), Kimberly N. Smith (University of North Texas), Anney R. Fahrenholz (University of North Texas), Lana L. Kliethermes (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: This study evaluated the utility of a structured descriptive assessment (SDA) as an alternative method of functional assessment. Initially, an analogue functional analysis, conducted to assess the self-biting of an adult with developmental disabilities, produced inconclusive results. Subsequently, an SDA was conducted in the individual’s natural environment with the direct care staff acting as therapists. This assessment manipulated antecedent variables similarly to the analogue functional analysis but allowed for consequences to occur naturally. The results from the SDA suggested that biting was occasioned by removal of personal items and maintained by their return. Treatment based on the results of the SDA were implemented in a reversal design and resulted in a notable reduction in the occurrences of biting. These outcomes suggest that SDA procedures may be useful when results from the analogue functional analysis are inconclusive. |
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| Evaluation of the Treatment Utility of the Analog Functional Analysis and the Structured Descriptive Assessment |
| CARIE L. ENGLISH (West Virginia University), Cynthia M. Anderson (West Virginia University) |
| Abstract: Various methods of functional assessment exist for developing hypotheses about environment-behavior relations. Presumably, the analog functional analysis has good treatment utility; however, this has not been well evaluated. The treatment utility of the analog might be enhanced by including caregivers in the assessment. An alternative is to conduct the assessment in the natural environment. The structured descriptive assessment (SDA) is conducted in the natural environment by caregivers, which likely enhances treatment utility. The purpose of this study was to examine the treatment utility of the analog functional analysis and the SDA by comparing results of the analog when conducted by experimenters versus caregivers to results obtained from the SDA. In addition, interventions based on the results of each assessment were implemented to determine which assessment resulted in more efficacious interventions. |
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| Using LAG-Sequential Analyses to Describe Response-Stimulus Relations in the Natural Environment |
| ANDREW SAMAHA (University of Florida), Timothy R. Vollmer (University of Florida), Carrie S. W. Borrero (University of Florida), Kimberly Kahl (University of Florida), Claire C. St. Peter (University of Florida), Jason C. Bourret (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: We combined descriptive and functional analyses to examine potential reinforcing relations for two individuals who engaged in self-injurious and disruptive behavior. Descriptive observations were conducted in a school and an inpatient setting on interactions between participants and their caregivers. Contingency strength was examined by comparing three measures of probability: probability of reinforcement given a response, probability of reinforcement given no response, and overall (unconditional) probability of reinforcement. The conditional probability of potential reinforcers was calculated for each second before and after occurrences of target behavior or a second during which no response was recorded. Results showed that the event identified as a reinforcer in the functional analysis was likely to occur following problem behavior in the natural environment. Combining descriptive and functional analyses may prove useful in studying how reinforcement contingencies operate in the natural environment. |
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| Using Multiple Respondents to Assess Agreement and Validity of Anecdotal Assessments |
| ANNEY R. FAHRENHOLZ (University of North Texas), Richard G. Smith (University of North Texas), Lloyd Buckner (University of North Texas), Kimberly N. Smith (University of North Texas), Amanda J. McAllister (University of North Texas), Jashmina N. Patel (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: An assessment of agreement and validity of outcomes of anecdotal assessments was completed for twenty-seven adults with mental retardation and problem behaviors. Part 1 of the experiment included administering two anecdotal assessments, the Motivational Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Functional Analysis Screening Tool (FAST) to five respondents (direct-care staff) for each ratee. Results of the questionnaires indicated that respondents agreed on the maintaining variables of the individual’s problem behavior for only 9 of the 27 individuals. Part 2 of the experiment examined whether, for selected cases in which 4 out of 5 respondents agreed on the function of the problem behavior, results from a functional analysis were consistent with those from the anecdotal assessments. Results indicated that, when multiple respondents agreed on the primary consequence maintaining problem behaviors, that variable also was identified in the functional analysis. |
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