Although we may approach the treatment of problem behavior the same way-applying various sorts of contingencies and evaluating their effects, ongoing behavior does have a function based on its history of reinforcement. A variety of reinforcement options are available when attempting to establish a new response because nonexistent target responses have no function. The term “functional analysis” refers to any empirical demonstration of a cause-effect relation ( Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968) its application with problem behavior is unique, however. We address both of these issues and suggest ways to incorporate FA methodology into routine clinical assessments. Most practitioners understand the value of knowing how problem behavior is maintained before attempting to reduce it perhaps less clear is why practitioners should conduct a functional analysis (FA) when (a) information can be obtained from other sources and (b) practical constraints seem to preclude a thorough analysis. Translation of research methodology into practical application often is a matter of what is useful yet feasible, and a demonstration of control, at least during assessment, is both. The demonstration of experimental control is a good example-it is required in research but not often attempted in practice. Research methods used in applied behavior analysis provide an excellent model for practice, although standards for evaluating research are admittedly more stringent.
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