Indirect Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

An Indirect Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a method used to gather information about a behavior by relying on interviews, questionnaires, or rating scales, rather than directly observing the behavior in real-time. The information is collected from people who are familiar with the individual, such as parents, teachers, or caregivers. Indirect FBA helps identify patterns, triggers, and possible functions of a behavior based on the knowledge and experiences of those who observe the individual in their natural environment.

Example

A behavior analyst interviews a teacher to understand why a student frequently leaves their seat during class. The teacher explains that the behavior often happens after difficult assignments are given. Based on this interview (an indirect FBA method), the analyst hypothesizes that the function of the behavior might be escape from challenging tasks. The information gathered indirectly provides insights into potential interventions, though it often requires further confirmation through direct observation.

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