Evaluation and Review of the Psychometric Properties of Functional Behavior Assessment Methods

2011

Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is defined as a range of behavior assessment procedures that are used to identify or clarify functional relationships between behavior and environmental events (Carr, 1994). Assessment procedures are used to identify specific environmental contingencies operating on the individual to implement a function-based intervention to reduce problem behavior and increase appropriate behavior (Gresham, Watson, & Skinner, 2001). The current literature regarding the psychometric properties of descriptive assessment methods, functional analysis and treatment based-interventions is varied. Current reviews of the literature have identified a need for the evaluation of functional assessment methodology to validate the procedures used (Floyd et al., 2005; Sturmey, 1994). The overall purpose of this study is to extend the current FBA research to provide preliminary support for the psychometric properties, including reliability, content validity, and convergent validity of FBA methods with both school and clinic-based assessments. The evaluation of newly designed functional assessment interviews (Functional Assessment Informant Record series; Edwards, 2001) is included. Preliminary results suggest appropriate psychometric evidence that support the utility of functional behavior assessment methods across settings.

Conference presentations and posters presented

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

N/A