Play Condition

Play Condition is an experimental condition typically used during functional behavior assessments (FBAs). In the play condition, the learner is provided with unlimited access to an enriched environment, which includes attention, access to preferred items or activities (tangibles), and no demands or requests placed on them. The goal of this condition is to provide a low-stress environment to see if problem behaviors occur when all potential reinforcers are freely available.

Example

A therapist is conducting a functional analysis for a child who displays frequent tantrums. During the play condition, the therapist gives the child access to their favorite toys, provides positive attention, and makes no requests for the child to complete any tasks. If the tantrums do not occur in this condition, it suggests that the behavior may be related to escape from demands or gaining access to attention or tangibles in other contexts

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