Questions About Behavioral Function Research Articles

Machine Learning for Supplementing Behavioral Assessment.

The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) has a high degree of convergent validity, but there is still a lack of agreement between the results of the assessment and the results of experimental function analysis. Machine learning (ML) may improve the validity of assessments by using data to build a mathematical model for more accurate predictions. We used published QABF and subsequent functional analyses to train ML models to identify the function of behavior. With ML models, predictions can be made from indirect assessment results based on learning from results of past experimental functional analyses. In Experiment 1, we compared the results of five algorithms to the QABF criteria using a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. All five outperformed the QABF assessment on multilabel accuracy (i.e., percentage of predictions with the presence or absence of each function indicated correctly), but false negatives remained an issue. In Experiment 2, we augmented the data with 1,000 artificial samples to train and test an artificial neural network. The artificial network outperformed other models on all measures of accuracy. The results indicated that ML could be used to inform conditions that should be present in a functional analysis. Therefore, this study represents a proof-of-concept for the application of machine learning to functional assessment.

An Independent Investigation Into the Psychometric Properties of the Adult Scale of Hostility and Aggression (A-SHARP)

ABSTRACTBackground: The Adult Scale of Hostility and Aggression (A-SHARP) rating scale assesses the frequency/severity (problem scale) and the reactive-proactive motivation (provocation scale) of aggressive behaviors in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Items are assigned to five subscales (Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Hostile Affect, Covert Aggression, and Bullying). Although psychometric properties reported by the scale’s developers were very good, we wanted to corroborate them independently. We were also interested in whether the reactive-proactive distinction of aggressive behavior is related to a behavioral/functional classification. Method: Staff at a day-treatment program for adults with ID completed ratings for 155 clients using the A-SHARP, the Behavior Problems Inventory-01 (BPI-01), and the Questions about Behavioral Function (QABF). Results: Internal consistency was found to be excellent, and the A-SHARP Physical Aggression subscale had good congruent and clinical validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed sufficient evidence toward the factorial validity of the A-SHARP’s problem scale. The reactive-proactive classification of aggressive behavior motivation by the A-SHARP’s provocation scale was independent of the functional classification. Conclusions: The A-SHARP is a useful addition to a small number of existing instruments for assessing aggressive behavior in adults with ID, especially its problem scale. We discuss how the A-SHARP provocation scales might provide therapy-relevant information. Empirical evidence for the clinical utility of the A-SHARP provocation scale will have to be established by future research.

Translating the QABF to Spanish with an Eye Toward Reliability and Validity

We developed a Spanish‐language version of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) utilizing a forward‐adaptation and back‐adaptation translation process. Subsequently, we administered the assessment with 80 bilingual participants to assess the reliability and validity of the instrument. Results demonstrated that the Spanish version of the QABF was both reliable (i.e., was internally consistent) and valid (i.e., identified the correct function). Implications and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Internal Consistency and Inter-Rater Reliability of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) Rating Scale When Used by Teachers and Paraprofessionals

There has been considerable emphasis on indirect functional behavior assessments in school settings. However, little research has evaluated the reliability of these methods to identify behavioral function. One indirect measure, the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale, has yet to be extensively studied in school settings, though psychometric evidence suggests it is a viable assessment of the functions of a variety of problem behaviors for persons diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the QABF when completed by teachers and paraprofessionals in a school setting with children diagnosed with a variety of disabilities. Overall, results suggested that when used in a school setting without support from examiners familiar with behavior analysis or the QABF, the measure demonstrated poor inter-rater reliability and internal consistency. Factors that may have contributed to this outcome are discussed, including suggestions for future research using indirect assessments in school settings.

Using ABC narrative recording to identify the function of problem behavior: A pilot study

Many professionals report using ABC narrative recording to identify the function of problem behavior in children with developmental disabilities, but research has not established whether their analyses yield valid results. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether the function identified by expert reviewers using ABC narrative recordings would match the one identified by a functional analysis (FA) and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale in four children with developmental disabilities. The functions identified by all twelve experts using the ABC narrative recordings matched at least one of the functions identified by the FA for three of four participants. The experts' analyses also agreed with the informant-based assessment at a statistically significant level for two of three participants with a conclusive QABF. Altogether, the results suggest that ABC narrative recording may be useful to generate hypotheses to identify the function of problem behavior, but that more research is needed before recommending its use as a standalone functional behavior assessment.

Psychometric comparison of the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF)

The Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) are frequently used to assess the learned function of challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability (ID). The aim was to explore and compare the psychometric properties of the MAS and the QABF. Seventy adults with ID and challenging behaviour and their disability support workers participated in the study. Support workers completed the MAS and QABF regarding a challenging behaviour that they identified as causing most concern. Both measures demonstrated good internal consistency. Based on the intra-class correlation coefficient, inter-rater reliability of the MAS and QABF was acceptable for sub-scale scores, but not for individual items. Convergent validity, as reflected by correlations between functionally analogous scales, was satisfactory, but there was low agreement between the MAS and QABF on the function of challenging behaviour. Factor analysis of the QABF revealed factors that clearly corresponded to the five factors reported by the developers, four of which were well determined. Similar analyses of the MAS yielded a four-factor solution, however, only one factor was well determined. The psychometric properties of the MAS and QABF were similar, and item-by-item reliability was problematic. The results suggest that both measures may prove unreliable for assessing the function of challenging behaviour among adults with ID. In developing interventions to address challenging behaviour, other techniques (e.g. observations) should be used to supplement information from these measures.

RETRACTED: Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF): adaptation and validation of the Spanish version.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor in Chief, after review by an independent panel of experts, due to evidence of a compromised peer review process and the failure of one author to disclose significant conflicts of interest. An independent peer-review process is a cornerstone of scientific integrity that allows for research to be scrutinized before publication to ensure that conclusions are anchored in sound methodology and objective interpretation of the results. Equally important is that the readership of research is fully informed about any potential competing interests that may have influenced the research process. This article is being retracted because it did not include a declaration of a conflict of interest of one author in relation to diagnostic tools which the paper endorses. The same author was also the Editor in Chief of the journal at the time of publication and evidence indicates that the paper was accepted without any independent peer review by external reviewers. The article is therefore retracted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of Elsevier: https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/publishing-ethics and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) https://publicationethics.org/files/retraction-guidelines.pdf.

MULTIPLE-RESPONDENT ANECDOTAL ASSESSMENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF INTERRATER AGREEMENT AND CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANALOGUE ASSESSMENT OUTCOMES

We evaluated interrater agreement across multiple respondents on anecdotal assessments and compared cases in which agreement was obtained with outcomes of functional analyses. Experiment 1 evaluated agreement among multiple respondents on the function of problem behavior for 27 individuals across 42 target behaviors using the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions about Behavioral Function (QABF). Results showed that at least 4 of 5 respondents agreed on the primary maintaining consequence for 52% (22 of 42) of target behaviors with the MAS and 57% (24 of 42) with the QABF. Experiment 2 examined correspondence between the anecdotal assessment results and functional analysis results for 7 individuals for whom at least 4 of 5 respondents showed agreement in Experiment 1. Correspondence with functional analysis results was observed in 6 of 7 cases with the QABF and in 4 of 7 cases with the MAS. Implications of these outcomes for the utility of anecdotal assessments are discussed.

The convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function scale and functional analysis for problem behavior displayed by individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Only a few studies have compared the convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale to the results of functional analyses (FA). In the current study, six participants who emitted problem behaviors participated in either a brief, or a no-interaction-series FA, while each participant's parent completed the QABF. The results of the study showed that for five participants, the QABF and the FA identified the same non-social function. For one participant, the QABF and FA identified potentially dual functions. Based on our findings, we suggest that the QABF could be embedded within a five-step functional assessment protocol.

A comparison of experimental functional analysis and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) in the assessment of challenging behavior of individuals with autism

We compared two functional behavioral assessment methods: the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF; a standardized test) and experimental functional analysis (EFA) to identify behavioral functions of aggressive/destructive behavior, self-injurious behavior and stereotypy in 32 people diagnosed with autism. Both assessments found that self injurious behavior (SIB) was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement and escape from task demands. Aggressive/destructive behavior was found to be maintained by escape and access to tangibles, whereas stereotypy was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement. There was exact agreement on function(s) between the two assessments for 24 participants and partial agreement for six participants. Results suggest that the QABF has clinical utility and is an effective tool for ascribing behavioral function. Implications of the present findings for future assessment of behavioral function are discussed.

The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF): Current status as a method of functional assessment

Functional assessment has now entered the mainstream for evaluation and to aid in the treatment of challenging behaviors, while experimental functional analysis was at the forefront of this movement, this particular methodology has proven to be impractical, and thus has limited utility in real world settings. As a result of these factors standardized test have become a popular alternative for making a functional assessment. The most extensively studied of these scales to date is the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). This paper reviews the available research on this scale, its current status, and future directions.

Indirect functional assessment of stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by the presence of repetitive behavior and stereotyped patterns of interest and activities. It is common for clinicians to assume that repetitive behaviors are maintained by automatic reinforcement but, as with any challenging behavior, the function of stereotypy should not be assumed based on its topography. Previous research on the functional assessment of stereotypy has produced mixed results, and most previous studies on the functional assessment of stereotypy in children with ASD have included small sample sizes, so more research in this area is warranted. In the current study, indirect functional assessments consisting of the questions about behavioral function (QABF) were conducted across 53 children and adolescents with ASD. The QABF produced interpretable results in a high percentage of cases and 90% of the stereotypic behavior appeared to be maintained by automatic reinforcement.

An Indirect Examination of the Function of Problem Behavior Associated with Fragile X Syndrome and Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) are associated with a number of specific topographies of problem behavior. Very few studies have examined the function served by problem behavior in these groups. Using the Questions About Behavioral Function scale Matson and Vollmer (User's guide: questions about behavioral function (QABF). Scientific Publishers Inc., Baton Rouge, LA, 1995) the current study examined group differences in the function of problem behavior displayed by children with FXS and SMS, in comparison to a control group of children with non-specific intellectual and developmental disabilities. Between-group analyses showed children with SMS were more likely to display problem behavior related to physical discomfort. Both within- and between-group analyses showed children with FXS were less likely to display attention-maintained problem behavior. These findings hold implications for the assessment, treatment and prevention of problem behavior associated with both FXS and SMS.

Reliability and Validity of a German Version of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) Scale for Self-Injurious Behavior in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

The psychometric properties of a German version of the Questions About Behavioral Function Scale (QABF) (Matson & Vollmer, 1995) were examined in a sample of 522 individuals with intellectual disabilities residing in large facilities participated. The factor structure was first examined by exploratory factor analysis, yielding a five-factor-solution that was identical to the one described by the authors of the QABF and was statistically and clinically meaningful. Furthermore the factor structure was validated by confirmatory factor analysis. Fit indices indicated satisfactory model fit. Internal consistency was found to be good with Cronbach's alphas ranging from .84 to .62. Interrater reliability was fair with intraclass correlations ranging from .66 to.58.

A critical item analysis of the QABF: Development of a short form assessment instrument

Due to the relative inability of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) to provide an accurate and reliable self-report, assessment in this population is more difficult than with individuals in the general population. As a result, assessment procedures must be adjusted to compensate for the relative lack of information that the individual may be able to provide and rely more on the behavioral expression of communication. One method commonly used is the indirect functional assessment that utilizes behavior rating scales developed to gather behavioral data in a short time. One of the few empirically derived and psychometrically sound scales is the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF), a 25-item questionnaire designed to rate specific behavioral functions and maintaining variables. The purpose of this study was to use both exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic procedures to examine the psychometric properties of the QABF, conduct an item analysis, and determine if a short form version could be developed that is both psychometrically valid and reliable, and clinically useful. Results of the item selection procedure indicated that the original 25 items could be reduced to 15. Evaluation of the 15-item short form showed that the QABF-SF maintained the original five-factor structure of the original form, while maintaining an equivalent degree of reliability and validity. The QABF-SF appears to be a useful tool to aid clinicians in the brief functional assessment of behavior in individuals with ID.

Aggressive behavior in individuals with moderate to borderline intellectual disabilities who live in a residential facility: An evaluation of functional variables

We explored functional variables for aggressive behavior in 87 individuals with moderate to borderline intellectual disability who lived in a residential facility. For this purpose we used the Questions About Behavioral Function scale (QABF; Matson, J., & Vollmer, T. (1995). Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). Baton Rouge, LA: Scientific Publications). Results show that in most clients subscales describing social function (i.e., Attention, Escape/Avoidance, Tangible) had significantly higher mean scores than subscales describing non-social function (i.e., Self-stimulation, Physical discomfort). Except for gender, there were no significant associations between mean subscale scores and client variables, such as psychiatric disorder, age, level of intellectual disability. Female clients had higher mean scores on subscales of Attention, Self-stimulation, and Physical discomfort than male clients. Results of our study suggest that in most cases, aggressive behavior is positively/negatively reinforced by social events. Implications for functional assessment and function-based treatment of aggressive behavior in these clients are discussed.

Multiple versus single maintaining factors of challenging behaviours as assessed by the QABF for adults with intellectual disabilities

Background The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) correctly identifies maintaining variables of challenging behaviour. However, for adults who have a long history of challenging behaviours, identifying one clear function of the maladaptive behaviour is difficult. Additionally, the person may develop multiple functions of their maladaptive behaviour.Method Characteristics of single versus multiple maintaining factors were evaluated using the QABF for 88 adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). The reliability of single versus multiple maintaining factors for aggression and self‐injurious behaviour was analysed. Multiple factors were analysed in terms of type of maintaining factors, and their order of importance by challenging behaviour was noted.Results The majority of behaviours examined were maintained by multiple functions. Reliability was higher for behaviours with a single maintaining variable when compared to behaviours with multiple maintaining variables.Conclusion These data appear to have implications for aetiology, assessment, and treatment of challenging behaviours in individuals with ID.

Psychometric Properties of the Questions About Behavioral Function Scale in a Child Sample

The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale is a caregiver report form designed to identify behavioral functions important in maintaining aberrant behavior. In the present investigation, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the QABF with an outpatient sample of 91 children with developmental delays and significant aberrant behavior (e.g., physical aggression, self-injury, and property destruction). One caregiver completed the QABF and Motivation Assessment Scale on aberrant behavior identified in a preappointment interview for each child. Results indicate that the QABF exhibited fair to good internal consistency, strong corrected item-total correlations, acceptable intersubscale correlations, and convergent validity with the Motivation Assessment Scale. Implications of the results, potential utility of caregiver report instruments, study limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Questions About Behavioral Function in Mental Illness (QABF-MI)

The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF), a 25-item rating scale, was developed to identify the function(s) of maladaptive behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. The authors adapted it for use with individuals with serious mental illness who engage in maladaptive behavior and assessed the psychometric characteristics of the new scale (Questions About Behavioral Function in Mental Illness; QABF-MI) in a sample of 135 adults with serious mental illness from three inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Staff most familiar with each person rated each item on a 5-point Likert-type rating scale, and the ratings were subjected to a number of psychometric analyses. The results of factor analyses provided a conceptually meaningful five-factor solution: physical discomfort, social attention, tangible reinforcement, escape, and nonsocial reinforcement. Congruence between the five factors derived with the QABF-MI and the corresponding factors in the original QABF was perfect. The results indicated that the QABF-MI has robust psychometric properties and may be useful as a screening tool for determining the nature of the variables that maintain maladaptive behavior exhibited by individuals with serious mental illness.

A functional assessment of handmouthing among persons with severe and profound intellectual disability

Background The behavioural function of handmouthing has been assessed across various studies utilising analogue functional analyses. The aim of the current study was to expand upon research on this relatively understudied behaviour by examining the relationship between handmouthing and Gastro‐Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), and the potential variables maintaining this challenging behaviour in 30 individuals with intellectual disability.Method First, the relationship of GERD to handmouthing was examined. Second, the behavioural function of handmouthing was assessed with an indirect functional assessment, the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF).Results We found that a diagnosis of GERD was present with greater frequency among individuals with handmouthing than among matched peers who did not engage in handmouthing. Non‐social reinforcement was most frequently endorsed as a behavioural function of this challenging behaviour.Discussion Although individuals with handmouthing exhibited more GERD than those who did not handmouth, the findings suggest that handmouthing was most often maintained by non‐social reinforcement. The importance of utilising functional assessment methodology for the assessment and treatment of handmouthing is discussed.