Functional analysis conditions

Question 1

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Purpose: Test if behavior is maintained by social positive reinforcement (______)

Answer 1

Attention Condition (attention)

Question 2

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Procedure:

Client has minimal attention.

When problem behavior occurs → brief attention is delivered (e.g., “Don’t do that,” eye contact, reprimand).

If behavior increases:
→ Likely _____-maintained

Answer 2

Attention Condition (attention)

Question 3

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Purpose: Test if behavior is maintained by negative reinforcement (escape from tasks)

Answer 3

Escape (Demand) Condition

Question 4

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Procedure:

Demands are presented (e.g., academic tasks).

When problem behavior occurs → task is removed briefly.

If behavior increases:
→ Likely _____-maintained

Answer 4

Escape (Demand) Condition (escape)

Question 5

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Purpose: Test if behavior is maintained by access to preferred items/activities

Answer 5

Tangible Condition

Question 6

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Procedure:

Preferred item is visible but unavailable.

Problem behavior → brief access to item.

If behavior increases:
→ Likely _______-maintained

Answer 6

Tangible Condition (tangible)

Question 7

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Purpose: Test for automatic reinforcement

Answer 7

Alone / Ignore Condition

Question 8

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Procedure:

Individual is alone (or ignored).

No programmed consequences delivered for behavior.

If behavior persists at high levels:
→ Suggests automatic (sensory) reinforcement

Answer 8

Alone / Ignore Condition

Question 9

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Purpose: Serves as a control condition

Answer 9

Play (Control) Condition

Question 10

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Procedure:

Free access to attention, preferred items, and no demands.

Problem behavior produces no additional consequences.

Expected Outcome:

Low rates of problem behavior

Confirms experimental control

Answer 10

Play (Control) Condition

Question 11

Attention vs escape vs tangible vs alone/ignore condition vs play condition

which one?

Question 12

Why do these conditions matter?
Functional analysis demonstrates: _______ , _______, and _______

Answer 12

Prediction – Behavior changes systematically across conditions

Verification – Withholding the consequence reduces behavior

Control – Reintroducing the condition reproduces behavior

This allows identification of function rather than guessing based on topography.