S1E2 - ETHICS OR USING (OR NOT USING) FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

This episode Zach and Caleb discuss the ethics surrounding the use of functional analysis. They are joined by Dr. SungWoo Kahng and Dr. Sarah Bloom. 

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the ethics of utilizing a rigorous analog functional analysis (FA) versus non-experimental descriptive or indirect assessments, balancing the mandate for empirical precision against real-world resource constraints.

2. Evaluate procedural adaptations—such as precursor functional analyses or latency-based models—to ethically isolate behavioral function without evoking high-magnitude self-injury or physical aggression.

3. Identify institutional constraints (e.g., administrator buy-in, staff-to-client ratios, physical space limits) that impact the feasibility of executing standard analog conditions and plan environmental adaptations.

4. Evaluate why choosing an intervention without identifying the environmental function of the target behavior poses an ethical risk to client safety and programmatic efficiency.

5. Contrast traditional isolated contingency frameworks with contemporary synthesized analysis models, examining the ethical and clinical trade-offs regarding diagnostic clarity and treatment development speed.

6. Describe strategies to translate complex experimental conditions into accessible, transparent risk-benefit rationales to secure informed stakeholder assent and institutional support.

Show Notes:

UPDATE ABOUT FA MANUAL: After recording this episode, Dr. Kahng sent along this reference to a recently published functional analysis manual. Check it out!

Chok, J. T., Harper, J. M., Weiss, M. J., Bird, F. L., & Luiselli, J. K. (2019). Functional analysis: A practitioner’s guide to implementation and training. London: Elsevier.

References:

BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Codes - 1.01, 2.09, and 3.01 https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf

Bijou, S. W., Peterson, R. F., & Ault, M. H. (1968). A method to integrate descriptive and experimental field studies at the level of data and empirical concepts. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 1, 175-191.

Bloom, S. E., Iwata, B. A., Fritz, J. N., Roscoe, E. M., & Carreau, A. B. (2011). Classroom application of a trial‐based functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 19-31.

Hanley, G. P. (2012). Functional assessment of problem behavior: Dispelling myths, overcoming implementation obstacles, and developing new lore. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5, 54-72.

Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Vanselow, N. R., & Hanratty, L. A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 16-36.

Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & Thompson, R. H. (2001). Reinforcement schedule thinning following treatment with functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34(1), 17-38.

Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994). Toward a functional analysis of self‐injury. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 27, 197-209.

Iwata, B. A., Vollmer, T. R., & Zarcone, J. R. (1990). The experimental (functional) analysis of behavior disorders: Methodology, applications, and limitations. In A. C. Repp & N. N. Singh (Eds.), Perspectives on the use of nonaversive and aversive interventions for persons with developmental disabilities (pp. 301-330). Sycamore, IL, US: Sycamore Publishing Company.

Kahng, S., Hausman, N. L., Fisher, A. B., Donaldson, J. M., Cox, J. R., Lugo, M., & Wiskow, K. M. (2015). The safety of functional analyses of self‐injurious behavior. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 48, 107-114.Oliver, A. C., Pratt, L. A., & Normand, M. P. (2015). A survey of functional behavior assessment methods used by behavior analysts in practice. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 817-829.

Roscoe, E. M., Phillips, K. M., Kelly, M. A., Farber, R., & Dube, W. V. (2015). A statewide survey assessing practitioners' use and perceived utility of functional assessment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(4), 830-844.

Schlinger Jr, H. D., & Normand, M. P. (2013). On the origin and functions of the term functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 285-288.Sigafoos, J., & Saggers, E. (1995). A discrete-trial approach to the functional analysis of aggressive behaviour in two boys with autism. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 20, 287-297.

Smith, R. G., & Churchill, R. M. (2002). Identification of environmental determinants of behavior disorders through functional analysis of precursor behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 125-136.

Smith, C. M., Smith, R. G., Dracobly, J. D., & Pace, A. P. (2012). Multiple‐respondent anecdotal assessments: An analysis of interrater agreement and correspondence with analogue assessment outcomes. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 45, 779-795.

Thomason‐Sassi, J. L., Iwata, B. A., Neidert, P. L., & Roscoe, E. M. (2011). Response latency as an index of response strength during functional analyses of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 51-67.

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