I.6 Apply a function-based approach (e.g., performance diagnostics) to assess and improve supervisee behavior.

A BCBA may use a functional assessment approach, such as performance diagnostics, to identify variables that affect personnel performance. This approach involves systematically analyzing and understanding the factors influencing an individual’s behavior professionally. Here’s a detailed explanation of how and why a BCBA would use a functional assessment approach:

A BCBA aims to identify the variables that affect personnel performance by conducting a functional assessment. This includes understanding the environmental, organizational, and individual factors that contribute to successful job performance or may impede it.

Identifying the variables that impact performance allows the BCBA to develop targeted interventions to enhance personnel performance. The BCBA can design effective strategies to improve performance outcomes by addressing the underlying factors influencing behavior.

A functional assessment approach helps identify any shortcomings in organizational systems, such as training procedures, supervision practices, or environmental arrangements. By understanding the variables that affect personnel performance, the BCBA can recommend modifications to optimize organizational systems and create a supportive work environment.

How to Use a Functional Assessment Approach

Data Collection

The BCBA collects data on personnel performance using various methods such as direct observation, performance records, self-reports, and supervisor ratings. This data provides a baseline understanding of current performance levels.

Task Analysis

The BCBA conducts a task analysis to break down the job or specific tasks into smaller components. This helps identify the specific behaviors and skills required for successful performance.

Environmental Analysis

The BCBA assesses the environmental variables that may influence performance, such as physical setting, equipment availability, task demands, and social factors. This includes examining the presence or absence of antecedents, consequences, and relevant cues in the work environment.

Functional Analysis

Using the principles of behavior analysis, the BCBA conducts a functional analysis to determine the relationships between performance and relevant variables. This involves analyzing the functions of behavior, identifying the antecedents that set the occasion for performance, and examining the consequences that reinforce or discourage specific behaviors.

Interviews and Surveys

The BCBA may conduct interviews or surveys with personnel and supervisors to gather information on their perceptions of performance barriers, strengths, and opportunities for improvement. This qualitative data can provide additional insights into personnel performance.

Performance Feedback

Based on the functional assessment results, the BCBA provides performance feedback to personnel. This includes sharing the findings, discussing strengths and areas for improvement, and collaboratively developing strategies to address identified variables that affect performance.

Intervention Design

Using the information gathered during the functional assessment, the BCBA designs interventions targeting specific variables affecting performance. These interventions may involve modifying environmental arrangements, providing additional training or resources, adjusting performance expectations, or implementing behavior change procedures.

Example:

• Data Collection: A BCBA collects data on a staff member’s performance in implementing a specific teaching procedure. Data may include the number of prompts used, accuracy of instruction, and learner engagement during sessions.
• Environmental Analysis: The BCBA assesses the physical workspace of a therapist to identify potential ecological variables that may influence performance. This may include examining the organization and accessibility of materials, noise levels, or environmental distractions.
• Functional Analysis: The BCBA conducts a functional analysis to determine the factors influencing a staff member’s punctuality. Through data collection and analysis, the BCBA discovered that staff members are likely to be late when they have scheduled early morning meetings.
• Interviews and Surveys: The BCBA interviews supervisors and staff to gather their perspectives on factors contributing to or hindering effective performance. This qualitative data helps identify organizational policies, workload issues, or training needs that impact personnel performance.
• Performance Feedback: After analyzing data and identifying variables affecting performance, the BCBA provides feedback to staff members regarding their strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback helps develop targeted interventions to address specific performance issues.
• Intervention Design: Based on the functional assessment results, the BCBA designs interventions to address identified variables. For example, if time management is identified as a barrier to performance, the BCBA may provide training on effective time management strategies or implement visual schedules to support task prioritization.

By using a functional assessment approach, BCBA can gain a comprehensive understanding of the variables affecting personnel performance and develop effective interventions to optimize performance outcomes. This approach promotes a data-driven and behavior-analytic approach to improving personnel performance in various professional settings.