PROGRESSING FROM BRIEF ASSESSMENTS TO EXTENDED EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSES IN THE EVALUATION OF ABERRANT BEHAVIOR

TLDR

Experimental analyses are known to guide treatment, yet many are inconclusive due to limited time, complex interactions, or unknown factors. This study proposes a four‑phase assessment sequence that escalates from brief 1–2‑hour analyses to extended analyses designed to control for confounding effects. The authors applied this sequence to 20 individuals with severe behavior problems, completing analyses only when clear, replicable response patterns emerged. The approach yielded clear, replicable response patterns in 85 % of participants.

Abstract

The role of experimental analyses in guiding treatment is well established. However, not all experimental analyses yield conclusive results. Outcomes may be inconclusive due to time limitations that preclude extended observation and detailed experimental manipulations, or may result from interactions across experimental conditions, multiple control, or other unknown factors. In this study, we describe an assessment sequence that moves through four phases beginning with relatively brief (1 to 2 hr) analyses and culminating in extended analyses that may control for experimental confounding effects (e.g., interaction effects). Data illustrating the model are presented for 20 individuals referred for severe behavior problems including self-injury, aggression, stereotypy, and tantrums. Analyses were considered to be complete only when clear and replicable response patterns emerged. Results showed that clear and replicable response patterns emerged for 85% of the participants.