Louisiana State University
Project Title: A Component Analysis of Evocative and Reinforcing Variables in the Assessment of Challenging Behavior.
Jonah Bann is a first-year doctoral student in the Behavior Analysis PhD program at Louisiana State University, where he is currently a member of Dr. Sam Morris’s lab. Jonah received his undergraduate degree in Disability Studies from Vanderbilt University in his master’s degree from Rutgers University in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Jonah was awarded a grant for his study, "A Component Analysis of Evocative and Reinforcing Variables in the Assessment of Challenging Behavior." The study introduces the Component Functional Analysis (CFA), a functional assessment designed to address a critical gap in current methodologies: no existing functional analysis simultaneously identifies both independent and synthesized functions of challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Inspired by the need to bridge the traditional functional analysis (FA; Iwata et al., 1982/1994), which identifies independent functions, and the IISCA/PFA (Hanley et al., 2014), which detects synthesized functions, the CFA aims to build upon the strengths of both approaches for more precise, function-based interventions.
The CFA systematically evaluates evocative and reinforcing variables by sequentially introducing establishing operations (e.g., withheld attention, tangibles, or presented demands) and, contingent upon the occurrence of challenging behavior, sequentially delivering putative reinforcers until challenging behavior stops persisting. This is intended to allow for an evaluation of the effects of evocative and reinforcing variables when presented independently and in combination. This study’s primary aims are to assess the CFA’s predictive validity against a multielement FA using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine accuracy and optimal cutoff scores, and to evaluate its efficiency by comparing session durations. Using a consecutive controlled case series (CCCS) design, the study ensures robust evaluation across diverse behavioral functions and topographies, minimizing bias and enhancing generalizability. If successful, the CFA could greatly improve the precision and efficiency of behavioral assessments, leading to tailored interventions that enhance outcomes for children who exhibit challenging behaviors.
Jonah expresses his sincere gratitude to the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis for supporting this research.
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