Functional Behavior Assessment Rating Scales: Intrarater Reliability with Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

This study evaluated the intrarater reliability of two functional behavior assessment rating scales: the Motivation Assessment Scale and the Problem Behavior Questionnaire. Teachers rated 30 students from 10 self-contained classrooms for students with emotional or behavioral disorders on three separate occasions using both rating scales. Pearson correlation coefficients and exact and adjacent agreement percentages indicated variable and inconsistent ratings across administrations and rating scales. The authors discuss possible reasons for inconsistencies, as well as implications for practice and future research.