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An examination of the relationship
between temporal distribution of problem behavior and establishing
operations The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal distribution of problem behavior across functional phases (time in establishing operation and time in reinforcement) for each condition of functional analyses (Iwata et al. 1982/1994) that yielded multiple functions. When problem behavior occurs almost exclusively when the establishing operation is in effect as compared with reinforcement, it can be concluded that there is a functional relationship between problem behavior and the environmental variable being manipulated. Thus, high levels of behavior during the establishing operation suggests that motivation to engage in problem behavior is increased whereas low levels of behavior during reinforcement indicates that the motivation to engage in problem behavior is reduced. When two or more functions are identified via a functional analysis a further analysis of the temporal distribution of behavior may be a useful augmentative method of analysis to determine if a functional relationship does, indeed exist for both sources of motivation. Functional analysis and treatment data for two children, who displayed problem behavior, were analyzed in the current investigation. Results are discussed in terms of the functional relationship of problem behavior and environmental variables. Data representing the temporal distribution of behavior across the establishing operation and reinforcement phases of a functional analysis will be displayed. Keywords: |
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