Alterations to functional analysis methodology to clarify the functions of low rate, high intensity problem behavior

Abstract

Current research provides few suggestions for modifications to functional analysis procedures to accommodate low rate, high intensity problem behavior. This study examined the results of the extended duration functional analysis procedures of Kahng, Abt, and Schonbachler (2001) with six children admitted to an inpatient hospital for the treatment of severe problem behavior. Results of initial functional analyses (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982/1994) were inconclusive for all children because of low levels of responding. The altered functional analyses, which changed multiple variables including the duration of the functional analysis (i.e., 6 or 7 hrs), yielded clear behavioral functions for all six participants. These results add additional support for the utility of an altered analysis of low rate, high intensity problem behavior when standard functional analyses do not yield differentiated results.

Keywords: functional analysis; low-rate problem behavior.

Figure 1

Responses per min of SIB, aggression, and disruption for Bobby in the Standard Functional Analysis (top panel); responses per hour of SIB, aggression, and disruption in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).

Figure 2

Responses per min of aggression and disruption for Darius in the Standard Functional Analysis (top panel); responses per hour of aggression and disruption in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).

Figure 3

Responses per min of SIB, aggression, and disruption for Paul in the Standard Functional Analysis (top panel); responses per hour of SIB, aggression, and disruption in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).

Figure 4

Aggressive responses per min for Jack in the Standard Functional Analysis (top panel); Aggressive responses per hour in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).

Figure 5

Responses per min of SIB, aggression, and disruption for Mickey in the Standard Functional Analysis (top panel); Responses per hour of SIB, aggression, and disruption in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).

Figure 6

Responses per min of SIB, aggression, and disruption for Jane in the Standard Functional Analyses (top panel); responses per hour of SIB, aggression, and disruption in the Modified Functional Analysis (bottom panel).