Functional Behavior Assessment

Prior to gathering observation-based data, however, the FBA team needs to make sure that the interfering behavior has been clearly defined so that it can be observed easily. Review Step 1.2 in the Planning phase.

When, Where, and Who of Data Collection

After defining the behaviors, team members determine the settings and length of baseline data collection. Baseline data on the interfering behavior are gathered in settings and at times when the behavior appears to occur most often; however, it also is sampled in other locations or at other times. Determining both when and where the behavior occurs as well as when and where it does not occur will help the team focus the assessment on what happens before and after the behavior.

For example, a team might determine that John tantrums when he is asked to clean up his toys at home but not at childcare. As a result, the person responsible for data collection can focus her efforts on this behavior during clean up time at home to determine its potential causes.

During the baseline phase, it is important to collect data for a sufficient period of time to identify consistencies in the behavior. Team members should decide how long data will be collected (e.g. several 10 minute periods per day for three days, one week, two weeks), and what will happen if an insufficient/inadequate amount of data are collected during baseline (e.g. redesign the data collection method, observe at a different time).

Team members also must decide who will collect the initial baseline data. For example, in John’s scenario, it might be easiest for the parent to collect data across the day. The team also may decide that it would be easier to have an objective observer collect data during the identified setting.

The decision about who will collect data should be individualized and the team must take serious consideration of the toddler’s behavior profile and how the toddler’s behavior is affected by an outside observer.