Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Practice Exam

A functional assessment is a process specifically designed to identify the purpose or function of a behavior. This assessment helps practitioners understand why a behavior is occurring by collecting data on the antecedents (what happens before the behavior) and consequences (what happens after the behavior) surrounding the behavior in question. Recognizing the function of a behavior allows for the development of effective interventions that address the root causes rather than just the symptoms of the behavior.

In a functional assessment, it's common to conduct observations, interviews, and possibly experimental analyses. The primary goal is to ascertain whether the behavior serves to gain attention, escape from an undesired situation, fulfill a sensory need, or achieve access to a specific item or activity. By identifying these functions, behavior analysts can tailor their interventions to meet the individual's needs more effectively.

While the other options pertain to aspects of behavior analysis and intervention, they do not capture the primary objective of a functional assessment as accurately as identifying the purpose or function of the behavior does. For example, reducing a behavior is a goal that may result from the insights gained from a functional assessment, but it is not the assessment's primary purpose. Similarly, data analysis methods and intervention strategies are important components of behavior analysis, but they do not encompass the full scope