Functional analysis in public schools: a summary of 90 functional analyses

J Appl Behav Anal. 2011 Winter;44(4):807-18. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-807.

Abstract

Several review and epidemiological studies have been conducted over recent years to inform behavior analysts of functional analysis outcomes. None to date have closely examined demographic and clinical data for functional analyses conducted exclusively in public school settings. The current paper presents a data-based summary of 90 functional analyses conducted in public school settings from 2006 through 2009 for 69 students. Specifically, we present data on gender, age, race, diagnosis, topography of target behaviors, number of conditions, duration of sessions, duration of analysis, functional outcomes, setting, and person serving the role of therapist. Results suggest that functional analyses in schools are possible, practical, and produce results that are comparable to those in past research.

Keywords: functional analysis; public schools; severe problem behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Schools
  • Students / psychology
  • Young Adult