Which examination evaluates inappropriate behavior by identifying its antecedents and consequences to determine functions of the behavior?

Which examination evaluates inappropriate behavior by identifying its antecedents and consequences to determine functions of the behavior?

• A. Functional analysis
• B. Behavior analysis
• C. Ecology
• D. Ethology

Answer: (A)

Identifying the function of a behavior by analyzing what triggers it (antecedents) and what follows it (consequences) is what a functional analysis does. By systematically varying the antecedents and consequences in controlled conditions, we observe how the behavior changes. If the behavior increases with certain triggers or is reinforced by specific outcomes, we infer the function—such as escaping a task, gaining attention, obtaining a tangible, or providing sensory feedback. This targeted approach is what sets functional analysis apart from broader fields like general behavior analysis, ecology, or ethology, which describe behavior or behavior in natural contexts but do not systematically test the function through controlled antecedent-consequence manipulation. So the examination that evaluates inappropriate behavior by identifying its antecedents and consequences to determine its function is functional analysis.

Identifying the function of a behavior by analyzing what triggers it (antecedents) and what follows it (consequences) is what a functional analysis does. By systematically varying the antecedents and consequences in controlled conditions, we observe how the behavior changes. If the behavior increases with certain triggers or is reinforced by specific outcomes, we infer the function—such as escaping a task, gaining attention, obtaining a tangible, or providing sensory feedback. This targeted approach is what sets functional analysis apart from broader fields like general behavior analysis, ecology, or ethology, which describe behavior or behavior in natural contexts but do not systematically test the function through controlled antecedent-consequence manipulation. So the examination that evaluates inappropriate behavior by identifying its antecedents and consequences to determine its function is functional analysis.