Leisure items as controls in the attention condition of functional analyses.

Brandon E. McCord & Nancy A. Neef (2005). Leisure items as controls in the attention condition of functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 417-426.

Leisure items (e.g., games, toys) are commonly made available as controls during attention conditions of functional analyses (Ringdahl, Winborn, Andelman, & Kitsukawa, 2002). However, Ringdahl et al. raised questions about this practice. This paper reviews research that supports and conflicts with the inclusion of leisure items as controls, including a quantitative analysis of relevant articles published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis over a 10-year period. Data reviewed suggest that practitioners may consider omitting leisure items as controls or including such items strategically based on the accumulation of assessment information.

DESCRIPTORS: functional analysis, control conditions, leisure items, attention condition