Functional Analysis
FA
In Plain Language
A controlled assessment that tests which environmental conditions affect a behavior.
ABA Definition
Systematic manipulation of environmental variables across test and control conditions to demonstrate functional relations with behavior.
Everyday Example
It is like testing an explanation by changing one condition systematically, rather than relying only on observations.
ABA Example
A qualified team compares carefully designed conditions with safeguards to evaluate possible maintaining consequences.
How It May Be Used
Requires specialized competence, consent, and risk management; this entry is not instructions for conducting one.
Commonly Confused With
An FBA is the broader assessment process. A functional analysis is an experimental method that may be part of it.