Question

Which of the following is an essential feature of a functional analysis?

a) accurate recording of behavior in the experimental conditions
b) manipulating antecedents and consequences while holding other variables constant
c) repeating experimental conditions to demonstrate experimental control over behavior
d) all of these

Answer 1

The essential feature of a functional analysis is all of the listed options: accurate recording of behavior, manipulating antecedents and consequences, and repeating experimental conditions for control.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which of the following is an essential feature of a functional analysis? The direct answer is d) all of these. A functional analysis in psychology involves accurate recording of behavior in experimental conditions, manipulating antecedents and consequences while keeping other variables constant, and repeating experimental conditions to establish control over behavior. Such comprehensive methodology ensures that the research is replicable, reliable, and yields valid conclusions about the relationships between variables and behavior.

In the context of a functional analysis, this includes conducting a controlled experiment, often within an applied behavior analysis context, to understand the causes and functions of specific behaviors. By manipulating the antecedents and consequences, the experimenter can observe changes in behavior in a structured manner. Repeating these conditions not only demonstrates experimental control but also ensures that results are not due to chance. Thus, seamless integration of these features is paramount for a conclusive and robust functional analysis.