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A goal of some functional analysis (FA) variations is to reduce assessment time while still maintaining efficacy. This may be especially important when conducting FAs in early intervention programs, where time is a crucial commodity. To that end, we evaluated a model for using the results of the no‐interaction condition as a screening for behavioral function and to guide selection of FA test conditions with 20 participants (22 assessments) aged 3 to 7 years old. We used the no‐interaction condition to develop hypotheses for both automatic reinforcement and socially mediated reinforcement. The outcome of the no‐interaction condition guided the selection of test conditions for the remainder of the FA. We also incorporated methods from prior FA studies (e.g., divided attention) to modify the test conditions. We obtained differentiated results in 91% of assessments, all within 70 min and, as such, extended evidence that an FA can be completed in little time without sacrificing efficacy.

Functional analysis (FA) methodology is a well-established standard for assessment in applied behavior analysis research. Although used less commonly in clinical (nonresearch) application, the basic components of an FA can be adapted easily in many situations to facilitate the treatment of problem behavior. This article describes practical aspects of FA methodology and suggests ways that it can be incorporated into routine clinical work.

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) has been an effective treatment for a wide range of problem behaviors. Nevertheless, NCR may produce some undesirable effects when attempting to suppress responding initially, maintain treatment gains, or strengthen alternative behaviors. Specific sources of difficulty and potential solutions are discussed.

This article provides an historical overview of the use of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR). Originally designed as a contingency-control procedure for both basic and applied research, in recent years NCR has been used increasingly as a function-based treatment to reduce the frequency of a wide range of problem behaviors.

A program involving increased daily activities, differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), and timeout was instituted in an effort to reduce the longstanding seizure-like behavior of a 41-yr-old institutionalized retarded male. Results of a reversal design showed a marked decrease in seizure activity during the treatment phase, which was maintained during subsequent fading of the activities and DRO.

This study compared two types of physical education activities to determine which might be more reinforcing to 10 mentally retarded subjects, as measured by actual participation rates. Using a multielement baseline design, two 15-minute sessions were offered daily, one under an exercise condition and the other under a games condition. Results showed higher participation in games than in exercises and that subjects did not complete exercises to criterion when prompted to do so. A Premack group contingency was then implemented in which the availability of games was made contingent upon completion of all exercises to criterion by all subjects. The procedure led to increases in both exercise participation and completion, as well as a decrease in the amount of time required to conduct the exercise session.

Functional analyses of self-injurious behavior (SIB) using multielement designs do not always produce clear-cut results, thereby reducing the likelihood that treatment programs are based on an understanding of behavioral function. Lack of response differentiation in multielement assessments may be due to several factors; one is interaction effects due to rapid condition changes. This study demonstrates the utility of more traditional reversal-type designs, in which assessment conditions are presented sequentially, when the results of multielement functional analyses are unclear. Results are discussed in terms of (1) the relative benefits of various forms of assessment designs, and (2) implications for future research.

Default technologies evolve from failure. Within the realm of human behavior, technologies based on the use of aversive contingencies can be conceptualized as default technologies because they come into play when natural contingencies or positive reinforcement fail to produce a desired behavioral outcome. Historical as well as contemporary events suggest that it is a mistake for behavior analysts to advocate for the adoption of aversive technologies. We must, however, continue to play a leading role in the development of such technologies so that they will be used in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, the eventual elimination of aversive technologies will be possible only through continued, careful, and experimental analysis of the contexts of failure in which they are born.

We propose that individuals who are recipients or potential recipients of treatment designed to change their behavior have the right to: (1) a therapeutic environment, (2) services whose overriding goal is personal welfare, (3) treatment by a competent behavior analyst, (4) programs that teach functional skills, (5) behavioral assessment and ongoing evaluation, and (6) the most effective treatment procedures available.

The Task Force on Public Policy was created to examine ways for behavior analysts to be more functional citizen scientists in the policymaking arena. This report informs readers about the contexts and processes of policymaking; and it outlines issues regarding the roles of behavior analysts in creating policy-relevant conceptual analyses, generating research data, and communicating policy-relevant information. We also discuss a possible role for the professional association in enhancing analysis, research, and advocacy on policies relevant to the public interest.

This commentary, in response to Dixon et al. (Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8,7–15, 2015), describes difficulties in defining metrics of quality in graduate training for different audiences (types of applicants). Outcome measures are preferred whenever possible, supplemented by subjective but frequently used opinion surveys.