Functions of Behavior
Scenario
Jess is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who works with three clients in their homes throughout the week. One client, Damien, engages in screaming and throwing behavior about 25 times per session. Damien’s BCBA determined the function of this behavior is access to tangibles (video games). His new behavior plan, created by his BCBA, states that when Damien begins to raise his voice the technician should prompt Damien to appropriately request for time to play his video games. Jess is losing her patience and Damien’s screaming hurts her ears, so sometimes when Damien begins to raise his voice she tells him he can have five minutes of game time so he will not scream.
Discussion
Please complete your assigned readings and respond to the following:
What is the target behavior for the RBT, Jess?
Explain the process you would undertake to identify the probable function of Jess's target behavior.
Discuss the antecedents and consequences in this scenario and hypothesize the probable function of the target behavior.
Describe a potential function-based BIP for Jess, and discuss how you will provide her with feedback regarding this behavior.
References
Andzik, N. R., & Kranak, M. P. (2021). The softer side of supervision: Recommendations when teaching and evaluating behavior-analytic professionalism. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 21(1), 65–74.
Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2010). 25 essential skills and strategies for the professional behavior analyst: Expert tips for maximizing consulting effectiveness. Routledge.
Chapter 27: “Functional Behavior Assessment”
Please read the following chapter in your text, Ethics for Behavior Analysts:
Chapter 9: “Section 4: Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees”
Focus on 4.06
Functions of Behavior
Name of the Student
Institution Affiliation
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Professor’s Name
Date
Functions of Behavior
Target Behavior for RBT, Jess
When Damien starts to raise his voice, Jess, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), rewards him with five minutes of game time. This is her target behavior. Damien's BCBA developed a prescribed behavior plan, which advises Jess to encourage Damien to seek time to play video games politely. This behavior deviates from that plan.
Identifying the Probable Function
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) can be conducted to identify the probable function of Jess's target behavior. This involves gathering information about the antecedents, behavior, and consequences associated with Jess's actions.
Antecedents, Consequences, and Hypothesized Probable Function
When Damian raises his voice, Jess gets irritated and uncomfortable when he yells. Jess gave Damien