A component analysis of evocative and reinforcing variables influencing challenging behavior

Abstract

It is well established that both isolated and synthesized reinforcement contingencies can influence the occurrence of challenging behavior, but currently no method exists for simultaneously evaluating these different causal variables. To achieve this, we conducted a component functional analysis (FA) to examine the evocative effects of sequentially introduced establishing operations and the reinforcement effects of sequentially delivered consequences. Outcomes were compared with a multielement FA that included assessments of isolated functions and, if indicated, synthesized functions. Results of the component FA were highly predictive of the results of the multielement functional analysis. Functions were accurately predicted for six participants with isolated functions and two participants with synthesized functions. The component FA also demonstrated high specificity for one participant with undifferentiated multielement FA results. These results provide initial support for the component FA as a precise and efficient method of identifying both isolated and synthesized social functions of behavior.