Question 1

Functional assessment is not like a medical diagnosis because

Accepted Answer

A)   Medical issues are not that important in analyzing problem behavior
B)   Different types of jargon are used
C)   The information from a functional assessment does not allow a simple match of a problem behavior with a prepackaged clinical intervention
D)   None of the above C

Question 2

The individuals who exhibit problem behaviors may

Accepted Answer

A)   Be labeled as having a disability
B)   Have no disability label
C)   Be extremely intelligent
D)   All of the above D

Question 3

Are inner states important to consider in the assessment of problem behavior. Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Yes, inner states are important to consider in the assessment of problem behavior for several reasons:

1. **Understanding Motivation**: Inner states, such as emotions, thoughts, and physiological sensations, can be key motivators for behavior. By understanding what internal experiences a person is trying to avoid or achieve, we can better understand the reasons behind their actions.

2. **Identifying Triggers**: Problem behaviors often have specific triggers that are tied to a person's internal state. For example, feelings of anxiety or stress might trigger coping mechanisms that manifest as problem behaviors. Recognizing these triggers can help in developing strategies to manage or alter the behavior.

3. **Holistic Approach**: Considering inner states allows for a more holistic view of the individual. Behavior does not occur in a vacuum; it is influenced by a complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes. Addressing only the external aspects of behavior may lead to incomplete or ineffective interventions.

4. **Tailoring Interventions**: Understanding the inner states associated with problem behavior can help in tailoring interventions to the individual's needs. For instance, if a behavior is driven by anxiety, interventions might include anxiety-reducing techniques, whereas if a behavior is driven by sensory-seeking, interventions might focus on providing appropriate sensory input.

5. **Predicting Behavior**: By being aware of a person's inner states, it may be possible to predict when problem behavior is likely to occur and intervene proactively. This can be particularly useful in preventing escalation of behaviors or in settings where safety is a concern.

6. **Empathy and Rapport**: Acknowledging and validating an individual's inner experiences can build empathy and rapport between the individual and those assessing or intervening. This can lead to a more trusting relationship and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.

7. **Ethical Considerations**: It is ethically important to consider the whole person, including their inner experiences, when assessing and addressing problem behaviors. This respects the individual's dignity and promotes a more compassionate and person-centered approach.

In conclusion, inner states play a crucial role in the manifestation and maintenance of problem behavior. Ignoring these internal experiences can lead to superficial assessments and interventions that may not address the root causes of the behavior. By considering inner states, professionals can develop more effective, individualized, and ethical strategies for helping individuals with problem behaviors.

Question 4

The three approaches for functional assessment are

Accepted Answer

A)   Informant methods, direct observation, and functional analysis
B)   Testing, direct observation, and functional analysis
C)   Listening, direct observation, and functional analysis
D)   All of the above

Question 5

The purpose of a functional assessment is to

Accepted Answer

A)   Gain information that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of behavioral interventions
B)   Provide a standardized assessment that can be used in a report
C)   Make decisions about the individual
D)   Decide what the person's primary diagnosis should be

Question 6

Which of the following is least important in the functional assessment process?

Accepted Answer

A)   The diagnostic label of the individual (such as autism, emotional disturbance, Down syndrome) 
B)   The antecedents of the problem behavior
C)   The consequences of the problem behavior
D)   The function that the problem behavior serves
E)   All of the above

Question 7

Functional assessment is a process for

Accepted Answer

A)   Figuring out what is going on in a specific situation
B)   Redesigning environments so they "work" for people
C)   Deciding what will be best in a given situation
D)   None of the above

Question 8

What does it mean that behavior occurs in contexts, not in people?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does it mean that behavior occurs...

Question 9

One of the goals of a good functional assessment is to

Accepted Answer

A)   Provide a clear diagnosis of the individual
B)   Provide insight into the person's feelings
C)   Analyze what the person is thinking
D)   Bring clarity and understanding to otherwise chaotic and confusing situations
E)   None of the above

Question 10

Functional assessment is not a value-free technology and this handbook provides which of these value-based assumptions?

Accepted Answer

A)   Behavioral support must be conducted with the dignity of the person as a primary concern.
B)   The objective of functional assessment is not just to define and eliminate undesirable behaviors but to understand the structure and function of those behaviors in order to teach and promote effective alternatives.
C)   Functional assessment is a process for looking at relationships between behavior and the environment.
D)   All of the above

Question 11

Many examples of functional assessment interviews and questionnaires can be found in the literature. In most cases, however, they share an emphasis on gaining information about which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Which of the problem behaviors are causing concern
B)   What events or physical conditions that occur significantly earlier in time prior to the problem behavior increase the predictability that the problem behavior will occur
C)   What events and situations that occur just prior to the problem behaviors reliably predict occurrence of problem behaviors
D)   Given a specific situation when the problem behavior occurs, what consequences appear to maintain the problem behavior
E)   All of the above

Question 12

Many conditions including allergies, sinus or middle ear infections, premenstrual and menstrual cycle effects, urinary tract infections, toothaches, and chronic constipation

Accepted Answer

A)   Will influence what a person is thinking
B)   Will require that a physician be a part of the assessment team
C)   Require a formal diagnosis
D)   May exacerbate the occurrence of particular behaviors
E)   None of the above

Question 13

Personal futures planning

Accepted Answer

A)   Should often be used in complex situations
B)   Should be used with adults who know what they want to do
C)   Offers a broader context in which to build behavior support plans
D)   None of the above

Question 14

If we consider problem behaviors as occurring in contexts, it becomes logical to

Accepted Answer

A)   Change the behavior of the person
B)   Change the context
C)   Determine reinforcement schedules for the person
D)   Determine what the person is thinking about the situation
E)   All of the aboveF)  None of the above

Question 15

Understanding the consequences that maintain problem behaviors is

Accepted Answer

A)   Important in determining what will be successful with that individual
B)   To control what the person does
C)   An essential element of a functional assessment
D)   Important but not the key element of a functional assessment

Question 16

Functional assessment is a process of understanding

Accepted Answer

A)   The inner states of a person that tells us why they act the way that they do
B)   The physiological and environmental factors that contribute to a person's problem behaviors
C)   The skills that represent a functional curriculum for that individual
D)   What motivates individuals

Question 17

Problem behaviors may take many forms, such as

Accepted Answer

A)   Violent and aggressive attacks
B)   Destruction of property
C)   Self-injurious behavior
D)   All the above
E)   None of the above

Question 18

In analyzing people's activity patterns, you can address issues such as

Accepted Answer

A)   The variety of activities they perform
B)   The degree of community integration they experience
C)   The extent to which their preferences are reflected and accommodated
D)   All of the above

Question 19

When direct observation information is collected for 10 to 15 instances of the problem behavior, it typically allows observers an opportunity to discover whether a pattern exists that will allow determination of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   What problem behaviors happen together
B)   When, where, and with whom are problem behaviors most likely
C)   What consequences appear to maintain occurrence of the problem behavior
D)   All of the above

Question 20

One of the central reasons for conducting a functional assessment is to

Accepted Answer

A)   Know what a person is feeling when the problem behavior is occurring
B)   Know what a person is thinking when the problem behavior is occurring
C)   Obtain information about when, where, and why problem behaviors occur is extremely valuable in building effective and efficient behavioral support
D)   All of the above
E)   None of the above

Exam 1: Introduction