Behavior Intervention and Support Module:
Functional Behavioral Analysis


Lou Denti, Ph.D.
Special Education Program
California State University, Monterey Bay

~ Module 3, Session 4 ~
Activity 1

Directions:

    In this activity, you will begin to hypothesize the function of the behavior. Decide on one student in your class, or if you are not a teacher, a student/individual in your setting that absolutely pushes your buttons. That is, you are caught in the “fight or flee” cycle with this student. Use the simple grid below to determine why the student is doing what he or she is doing.

Activity: What is the Function?

Behavior(s)

What is the student trying to get?

What is the student trying to protest or avoid?

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you know the function what will you do? Fill in the blanks below.

  • What are the antecedents?

 

  • Describe the behavior—ask questions, Observe, use data collection/interview forms.

 

  • Determine what consequences have been tried, and whether they have succeeded or failed.

 

  • List specific strategies directly associated with the function or goal of the undesirable behavior or misbehavior. Separate the act from the actor and the form from the function.

 

Copyright©2004, San José State University