Reaffirming the importance of analysis in applied behavior analysis: A review of Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior: From Effective Assessment to Effective Support, edited by A. C. Repp and R. H. Horner.

Ervin, R. A., Fuqua, R. W., & Begeny, J. C. (2001). Reaffirming the importance of analysis in applied behavior analysis: A review of Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior: From Effective Assessment to Effective Support, edited by A. C. Repp and R. H. Horner. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 255-267.

_In recent years, much has been written about the topics of functional assessment and functional analysis in applied settings. In their book, Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior: From Effective Assessment to Effective Support, Repp and Horner (1999) have compiled a series of essays from experts on the topic. In this article, we review their work and comment on each chapter’s contribution to the relevant literature. We conclude that the book meets its primary goals of expanding our view of functional analysis as well as providing those new to the field with a stronger understanding of the topic. We do, however, note some concerns with inconsistent use of functional analysis terminology and a lack of practical guidance regarding its implementation in applied settings, but we believe these limitations are inherent in the empirical literature and are not unique to the book. Thus, we strongly endorse this book as “must reading” reading for behaviorally oriented researchers, students, and practitioners.

DESCRIPTORS: functional analysis, assessment