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| Molecular Functional Analysis: An Alternate Approach for Applied Settings |
| Saturday, May 28, 2016 |
| 4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
| Zurich G, Swissotel |
| Area: PRA/AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D. |
| MICHAEL WEINBERG (Innovative Learning), WILLIAM T. MARSH (Brevard Public Schools) |
| Description: Participants in this workshop will learn a new and unique method for functional assessment and functional analysis referred to as molecular functional analysis. This approach will offer a different view of functional analysis and assessment and offer practice opportunities for participants. Through the use of vignettes, role play, and practice exercises, as well as video clips in small groups during the workshop, participants will be actively engaged in learning processes throughout this workshop. Participants will practice use of the new functional assessment tools to aid in identifying concurrent reinforcement schedules affecting problem and functional behavior of a person such as in school, along with demonstrations via video vignettes. Participants will have opportunities to practice using the approach to quickly identify function and use the data to devise an initial functionally linked treatment intervention based on these tools. Utilizing vignettes, participants will practice applying molecular functional analysis design logic to determine single or multiple functions of problem behavior in-vivo while the motivating operation is in effect. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the workshop, the participant will be able to: (1) complete and implement new descriptive assessment tools to identify function and replacement behaviors to incorporate in the behavior plan; (2) identify at least 3 primary differences in the functional analysis approach presented in this workshop relative to prevailing functional assessment logic; (3) use molecular functional analysis methods for the purpose of determining function based on a modified single-trial alternating treatments design procedure; (4) identify at least 3 situations in which these approaches can be applied, based on interactive practice opportunities during this workshop; (5) identify function of behavior when there are multiple functions, using the approaches practiced in this workshop. |
| Activities: Instructional strategies will include use of multimedia presentation of the concepts, principles and processes of Molecular Functional Analysis incorporating PowerPoint Slides, videos, lecture and group discussion, as well as small group practice activities during the workshop. Participants will be provided with vignettes in small groups during which each group will complete the contingency assessment form, devise a procedure to conduct single trial functional analyses to identify function, and practice use of the approach via role play in dyads to demonstrate the application of the procedure and potential results. |
| Audience: This workshop targets all audiences and will provide a review of basic principles of behavior involved in the identification of multiple functions and use of systematic manipulations and descriptive assessment of behavior. Review of the basic 4-term contingency, definition and identification of motivating operations, and the introduction of new terms needed to describe the process and concepts of this methodology will also be provided so that those at the entry level will be able to understand the principles involved. New terms will be defined to permit all participants to understand the concepts necessary for optimal use of this approach in their own practice settings. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |