Experimental Functional Analysis

Abstract

Experimental functional analysis (EFA) is the only empirical demonstration of the influence of environmental events on problem behavior. The systematic manipulation of antecedent and consequent variables during EFA helps to identify a context in which problem behavior is predicted to occur and provides clinicians with the ability to implement function-based, effective treatments. Interest in developing EFA technology goes as far back as the 1960s, with variations in formats designed in the following decades to address multiple practical and pragmatic concerns (e.g., analytic efficiency and control). In this chapter, we describe the historical relevance that has led to the development of current core procedural components of EFA and how the components have been used, or modified, to create a flexible technology for evaluating environmental contributors to problem behavior in the clinic, home, or school setting. Furthermore, we discuss other considerations such as the potential for using EFA to delineate subtypes of automatic reinforcement when test conditions fail to implicate socially mediated functions. This chapter highlights the balanced nature of current EFA practice with socially acceptable procedures and scientific inquiry regarding the functions of problem behavior.