Which assessment is used to determine the function of a behavior?

Which assessment is used to determine the function of a behavior?

• A. Diagnostic Interview
• B. Functional Behavior Assessment
• C. Summative Assessment
• D. Criterion-Referenced Test

Answer: (B)

Determining why a behavior happens requires uncovering its function through a structured assessment called a Functional Behavior Assessment. This approach gathers data on what happens before the behavior (antecedents), the behavior itself, and what happens after (consequences) to form a hypothesis about the purpose of the behavior. The function is usually to gain attention, escape a task, obtain a preferred item, or receive sensory stimulation. With that understanding, you can design interventions that address the function—teaching a more appropriate replacement behavior and tweaking the environment to reduce triggers. Other options don’t serve this purpose. A Diagnostic Interview is used to identify clinical or developmental concerns, not specifically to determine the function of a behavior. Summative assessments and criterion-referenced tests measure academic achievement or mastery of content, not why a behavior occurs.

Determining why a behavior happens requires uncovering its function through a structured assessment called a Functional Behavior Assessment. This approach gathers data on what happens before the behavior (antecedents), the behavior itself, and what happens after (consequences) to form a hypothesis about the purpose of the behavior. The function is usually to gain attention, escape a task, obtain a preferred item, or receive sensory stimulation. With that understanding, you can design interventions that address the function—teaching a more appropriate replacement behavior and tweaking the environment to reduce triggers.

Other options don’t serve this purpose. A Diagnostic Interview is used to identify clinical or developmental concerns, not specifically to determine the function of a behavior. Summative assessments and criterion-referenced tests measure academic achievement or mastery of content, not why a behavior occurs.