Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Chapter 9
Functional Behavior Analysis
The purposes of a functional behavior analysis are to determine the function of the inappropriate
behavior and to determine the causal factors for the behavior.
The five basic steps of a functional behavior analysis are:
2. Collect observable data related to the target behavior.
4. Develop a behavioral hypothesis.
5. Develop an alternative behavior.
Once the functional behavior analysis is completed and alternative behaviors have been
determined, a behavior intervention plan can be developed and implemented.
While functional behavior analysis are often conducted with students with disabilities, functional
behavior analyses with students without disabilities who display aberrant behaviors have been
Identifying the Function of a Behavior
• Every behavior has a function, or a dependent variable for the behavior.
• Behaviors are observable and measurable interaction with the environment, which is
constantly changing and determined by a functional relationship to events.
• The function of a behavior is generally not inappropriate, but it is the behavior that is
appropriate or inappropriate.
Attainment
o Attainment is a functionally motivated behavior in which an individual acquires
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
o Attention is a common functional motivation for students and can include verbal and
nonverbal praise from peers and adults. Attention can reinforce and maintain
appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
Avoidance/Escape of a Situation
o Sometimes individuals behave in certain ways to avoid or escape nonpreferred
activities. The functional motivations of avoidance and escape include social
isolation, nonpreferred activities, adverse interactions, and changes.
o Sometimes a student will behave in a certain manner in order to avoid attention from
others. Students who have a low sense of self-efficacy or who have been abused will
often avoid attention from others.
o Students often behave in certain ways when they want to avoid unpleasant activities.
Cultural Impact on Behavioral Functions
o Societal and cultural norms often influence the functional motivations of behaviors.
o Teachers need to understand the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of their students
when trying to identify the functions of students’ behaviors.
Developing a Behavioral Hypothesis
• The behavioral hypothesis proposes an explanation of the factors that elicit the
inappropriate behavior. It is based on data obtained from behavioral observations and
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Developing Alternative Behaviors
• The purpose of an alternative behavior is to replace the target behavior with an
appropriate behavior that has the same function.
Functional-Based Interventions
o Functional-based interventions take the function of the behavior into account, and can
be used to implement alternative behaviors.
o Functional communication training, antecedent-based interventions, instructional
accommodations, extinction, and differential reinforcement are five different types of
interventions that can be used to develop alternative behaviors.
withdrawal of the positive reinforcement that maintains the behavior.
o Differential reinforcement is used to increase the frequency of an appropriate
Implementing Alternative Behaviors
• The implementation of alternative behaviors generally involves:
2. Gather observable and measurable data on the behavior.
4. Develop an alternative behavior that has the same function as the target behavior.
6. Provide the student with opportunities to engage in the alternative behavior.
7. Provide the student with reinforcement for the alternative behavior.
Assumptions of Functional Behavior Analysis
• It is possible for multiple behaviors to have the same function.
• The variables that affect the behavior in one setting may not be the same variables in
another setting.
Generating a Behavior Intervention Plan
• Once the functional behavior analysis has been completed and alternative behaviors to
replace the target behavior has been developed, a behavior intervention plan can be
generated.