The Role of Response Effort and Motion Study in Functionally Equivalent Task Designs and Alternatives

Byline: Levan Lira (1), Diane M. Browder (2), Jeff Sigafoos (3) Keywords: functional equivalence; task designs; alternatives; response effort; motion study Abstract: We evaluated the effects of functionally equivalent task designs and alternatives, as validated by motion study procedures, on dependent variables (nonadaptive responses, use of alternative, attempts at task, and completed attempts at task) relevant to performing a selected task. First, we evaluated the effects of functionally equivalent task designs on the dependent variables. Second, we evaluated the effects of an efficient functionally equivalent alternative on the variables. Third, we compared the effects of the efficient functionally equivalent alternative with a less efficient functionally equivalent alternative on the same variables. The results showed that the inefficient functionally equivalent task design occasioned higher rates of nonadaptive responses than the efficient functionally equivalent task design. The results also showed that the functionally equivalent task designs and alternatives competed within and across response classes to reduce nonadaptive responses. Mixed results were obtained in comparing the effects of the efficient versus the less efficient functionally equivalent alternatives. We provide evidence for extending the current concept of functional equivalence to include task design responses as well as alternative responses in functional equivalence training. Author Affiliation: (1) Division of Specialised Education, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2) Department of Education and Human Services, College of Education, Lehigh University, PA, USA (3) Schonell Special Education Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia Article History: Registration Date: 28/09/2004