Functional Assessment of Behavior

A functional assessment of behavior (FBA) refers to assessment of problem behavior for purposes of determining the underlying function that the behavior serves for the individual.  The Positive Environments, Network of Trainers website defines an FBA as an examination of antecedents to the problem behavior and the consequences that occur following the behavior.  A hypothesis is then formed about what outcome the student gains by using this problem behavior.  They define behavior functions as consisting of either:

1. Getting something desired (This behavior is working, or has worked in the past, to gain something. In other words, the behavior maintains because it is "positively reinforced."), or
2. Protesting, Escaping or Avoiding something undesired (This behavior is working, or has worked in the past, to remove, partially remove, or communicate displeasure about something undesired by the student. In other words, the behavior maintains because it is "negatively reinforced.")

The FBA is a an intervention developed in the field of applied behavior analysis, which is based the theory of behaviorism.  Typically, an FBA is comprised of a review of existing records, observation (of antecedents/behaviors/consequences)/direct experimental manipulation of variable to determine the the function of the behavior, consideration of medical/developmental history, examination of environmental factors/setting events/establishing operations, and recommendations.  FBAs may be conducted in schools, private/public agencies, and homes when children exhibit significant behavioral difficulties (especially when those difficulties have been been resistant to prior interventions).

An FBA (or in California an Functional Analysis Assessment [FAA]) may be part of assessment conducted for addressing behavioral difficulties of students receiving special education services.