Iwata, B. A., Wallace, M. D., Kahng, S., Lindberg, J. S., Roscoe, E. M., Conners, J., Hanley, G. P., Thompson, R. H., & Worsdell, A. S. (2000).
Skill acquisition in the implementation of functional analysis methodology.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
33, 181-194.
Functional analysis methodology is a powerful assessment tool for
identifying contingencies that maintain a wide range of behavior
disorders and for developing effective treatment programs.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of
conducting functional analyses in typical service settings. In
this study, we examined the issue of skill acquisition in
implementing functional analyses by evaluating an instructional
program designed to establish a basic set of competencies. Eleven
undergraduate students enrolled in a laboratory course in applied
behavior analysis served as participants. Their performance was
assessed during scripted simulations in which they played the
roles of "therapists" who conducted functional analyses
and trained graduate students played the roles of
"clients" who emitted self-injurious and destructive
behaviors. To approximate conditions under which an individual
might conduct an assessment with limited prior training,
participants read a brief set of materials prior to conducting
baseline sessions. A multiple baseline design was used to assess
the effects of training, which consisted of reading additional
materials, watching a videotaped simulation demonstrating correct
procedural implementation, passing a written quiz, and receiving
feedback on performance during sessions. Results showed that
participants scored a relatively high percentage of correct
therapist responses during baseline, and that all achieved an
accuracy level of 95% or higher following training that lasted
about 2 hr. These results suggest that basic skills for
conducting functional analyses can be acquired quickly by
individuals who have relatively little clinical experience.
DESCRIPTORS: assessment, functional analysis, staff training