Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quantifying Function with the Functional Analysis Celeration Chart

  • Precision Teaching: Discoveries and Applications
  • Published:
Behavior Analysis in Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present brief practice examined 6 randomly selected studies from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis that included functional analysis data replotted on the functional analysis celeration chart (FACC). The FACC showcases the practicality of a standard celeration chart– derived visual display. The research question asked, what level values occurred related to the original authors’ determination of function? Results indicated all functions had a ×2 level multiplier or higher when placed on the FACC.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

References marked with an asterisk indicate studies included in the review.

  • Austin, J. L., Groves, E. A., Reynish, L. C., & Francis, L. L. (2015). Validating trial-based functional analyses in mainstream primary school classrooms. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 274–288. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.208

  • Beavers, G. A., Iwata, B. A., & Lerman, D. C. (2013). Thirty years of research on the functional analysis of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Betz, A. M., & Fischer, W. W. (2011). Functional analysis history and methods. In W. W. Fisher, C. C. Piazza, & H. S. Roane (Eds.), Handbook of applied behavior analysis (pp. 206–225). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • CentralReach PrecisionX [Computer software]. (2019). Retrieved from https://centralreach.com/

  • Clark-Carter, D. (2005). Geometric mean. In B. Everitt & D. Howell (Eds.), Encyclopedia of statistics in behavioral science (pp. 744–745). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diller, J. W., Barry, R. J., & Gelino, B. W. (2016). Visual analysis of data in a multielement design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 980–985. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.325

  • *Falcomata, T. S., Wacker, D. P., Ringdahl, J. E., Vinquist, K., & Dutt, A. (2013). An evaluation of generalization of mands during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 444–454. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Fisher, W. W., Greer, B. D., Fuhrman, A. M., & Querim, A. C. (2015). Using multiple schedules during functional communication training to promote rapid transfer of treatment effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 713–733. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.254.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Gabor, A. M., Fritz, J. N., Roath, C. T., Rothe, B. R., & Gourley, D. A. (2016). Caregiver preference for reinforcement-based interventions for problem behavior maintained by positive reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.286.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gast, D. L., & Ledford, J. R. (2014). Single case methodology: Applications in special education and behavioral sciences. New York, NY: Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hagopian, L. P., Fisher, W. W., Thompson, R. H., Owen-DeSchryver, J., Iwata, B. A., & Wacker, D. P. (1997). Toward the development of structured criteria for interpretation of functional analysis data. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 313–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hagopian, L. P., Rooker, G. W., & Zarcone, J. R. (2015). Delineating subtypes of self-injurious behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 523–543. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.236.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Hammond, J. L., Iwata, B. A., Fritz, J. N., & Dempsey, C. M. (2011). Evaluation of fixed momentary DRO schedules under signaled and unsignaled arrangements. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-69.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., & Dozier, C. L. (2008). Clinical Application of Functional Analysis Methodology. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391714

  • Johnston, J. M., & Pennypacker, H. S. (2009). Strategies and tactics of behavioral research (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kubina, R. M. (2019). The precision teaching implementation manual. Pittsburgh, PA: Greatness Achieved.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsteller, T. M., & St. Peter, C. C. (2014). Effects of fixed-time reinforcement schedules on resurgence of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 455–469. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.134.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roane, H. S., Fisher, W. W., Kelley, M. E., Mevers, J. L., & Bouxsein, K. J. (2013). Using modified visual-inspection criteria to interpret functional analysis outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 130–146. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Rodriguez, N. M., Thompson, R. H., Schlichenmeyer, K., & Stocco, C. S. (2012). Functional analysis and treatment of arranging and ordering by individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-1.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rohatgi, A. (2017). WebPlotDigitzer (Version 3.12) [Computer software]. Retrieved from. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2010.43-745.

  • *Travis, R., & Sturmey, P. (2010). Functional analysis and treatment of the delusional statements of a man with multiple disabilities: A four-year follow up. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 745–749. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2010.43-745.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Pennsylvania State University, 209 CEDAR Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Richard M. Kubina Jr

  2. University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA

    Salvador Ruiz

  3. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Douglas E. Kostewicz

Authors
  1. Richard M. Kubina Jr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Salvador Ruiz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Douglas E. Kostewicz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Richard M. Kubina Jr.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The first author, Kubina, owns equity in CentralReach. The financial interest has been reviewed by the Pennsylvania State University’s Individual Conflict of Interest Committee and is currently being managed by the university. The second and third authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Research Highlights

• This study shows the potential to quantify the identification of function, thereby enhancing the ability of clinicians to better identify patterns of responding present in functional-analytic assessments.

• The FACC offers a standard display with the potential benefits of engendering uniformity and consistency in decision making thereby increasing the efficiency of data analysis.

• Adding the FACC to a clinician’s present approach to functional analysis does not require any additional changes aside from the visual graphic.

• This study ameliorates criticisms of subjectivity inherent in visual inspection alone by offering consistent interpretations of data with new metrics (i.e., level multiplier).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kubina, R.M., Ruiz, S. & Kostewicz, D.E. Quantifying Function with the Functional Analysis Celeration Chart. Behav Analysis Practice 14, 728–733 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00426-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00426-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation