Please write a discussion post for the next instruction:
Explain the following point: “It is contingencies that define values, not values that drive the contingencies” Explain its relevance when conducting an FBA. Make sure to include in-text citations and references in APA format.
Please find attached some pages from Chapter 8 of Johnston’s book titled “Radical Behaviorism for ABA Practitioners.” You can include citations from this document in the discussion.
For this assignment it is important to know that “contingency” in the ABA field means: the relationship between a behavior and its consequences. It encompasses the principle that behaviors are influenced by the events that immediately follow them. It is based on this components: Antecedent, behavior, and consequences.
Also, to help you with your writing, here is a definition and brief explanation of what an FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment) is :
FBA: An FBA(Functional behavior assessment) is an assessment that helps us understand why a behavior occurs, in other words, it is used to identify the source of reinforcement for challenging behaviors (Reinforcement is a consequence that increases the future frequency of that type of behavior that immediately precedes it.)
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It usually consist of 3 methods:
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Indirect assessment: Structured interviews, Checklist, Rating Scales, Questionnaires. These are all considered “indirect” because they do not involve observing the behavior; rather they involve soliciting another’s recollection of the behavior. This helps identifying and defining the target problem behavior and potential antecedents and consequences that may be observed
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Descriptive Assessment : Direct observation of problem behavior under naturally occurring conditions, where events are NOT arranged in a systematic manner. This helps to confirm or disconfirm the information obtained through the interviews.
After the first 2 methods are performed, hypotheses regarding the function of the problem behavior can be made (they should state the Antecedent(s), Topography of problem behavior and the maintaining consequence)
3.Functional Experimental Analysis
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After hypotheses have been developed, a functional experimental analysis can be conducted to test them. This involves systematically manipulating environmental variables to determine their effect on the problem behavior. Antecedent and consequences are arranged so that their separate effects on problem behavior can be observed and measured.
When an FBA has been completed, an intervention that matches the function of problem behavior can be developed (Example: If problem behavior serves an escape function, then the intervention should provide escape for a more appropriate response or alter task demands to make escape less reinforcing).
FBA does NOT identify the interventions that will be effective but it DOES identify powerful reinforcers that can be used in intervention.