ABC Recording and Identifying Behavioral Functions Free Online FlashCards

In ABC recording, what is an antecedent?

An antecedent is what happens immediately before a behavior, such as an instruction, transition, or change in the environment.

How can you make a behavior definition objective?

Replace vague labels such as “is disruptive” with a specific action others can observe, such as calling out above conversational volume while someone else speaks.

When is a consequence reinforcing?

A consequence is reinforcing only if it makes the behavior more likely in the future. A consequence is not automatically a reinforcer.

What details should an ABC record include for each occurrence?

For each occurrence, record the time, setting, immediate antecedent, observable behavior, consequence, who was present, and what they did.

What does attention mean as a possible behavioral function?

Attention is social interaction, recognition, or help from another person; it may be positive or negative.

What is a behavioral function, and what should a hypothesis connect?

A behavioral function is an outcome that may help maintain a behavior. A hypothesis should tentatively connect the context, antecedent, defined behavior, and commonly following consequence to a possible function.

Why is one ABC observation insufficient to establish function?

A repeated pattern across observations can support a hypothesis, but a single ABC entry cannot establish a behavior’s function.

What can ABC observation show, and what can it not prove?

ABC observation is descriptive: events occurring together do not prove cause. Use multiple observations and other assessment information when appropriate; do not test a hypothesis by creating unsafe or distressing situations.

What counts as a behavior in an ABC record?

A behavior is what the person did that could be seen or heard, defined so different observers can recognize and record it consistently.

In ABC recording, what is a consequence?

A consequence is any change in the environment immediately after the behavior, whether or not anyone intended it as a reward or punishment.

How should you record behavior that occurs in a sequence?

Record each occurrence separately: the consequence of one event may become the antecedent for the next.

What does access mean as a possible behavioral function?

Access means getting or keeping an item or activity, such as a toy, snack, device, or preferred activity.