Anthony Dicesare, David B. McAdam, Amy Toner, & James Varrell (2005).
The effects of methylphenidate on a functional analysis of disruptive behavior: A replication and extension.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
38, 125-128.
In the present investigation, a functional analysis of the
disruptive behavior of a 18-year-old man who had been diagnosed
with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate mental
retardation was conducted, both when he was taking methylphenidate
and when he was not taking the medication. The results of this
functional analysis demonstrated that the participant's
disruptive behaviors were reinforced by access to attention
only when he was not taking methylphenidate.
DESCRIPTORS: establishing operations, functional analysis, methylphenidate