The A-B-Cs of Behavior

ABC data collection ABC data is used to analyze student behaviors and determine their function One aspect of developing a behavior intervention plan (BIP) Helps guide staff in selecting appropriate replacement behaviors and/or correct strategies to use when addressing the target behavior

Antecedent Event that occurs before the behavior that can reliably predict that the behavior will occur again Hunger/Thirst Demand Transition Environmental Bell Rings

Behavior A measureable, observable action Throwing paper Raising Hand Calling Out Walking away Hitting

Consequence Event that occurs after that behavior that can reliably predict that the behavior will or will not occur again Earning reward Taking a break Change in location Attention Delay in routine

Questions to Consider Are the consequences reinforcing? Does the behavior increase in rate or intensity following the consequence? Are the consequences punishing? Does the behavior decrease in rate or intensity following the consequence? Are the observations of others working with the student consistent with your observations? What is the function of the behavior?

Functions of Behavior Demand (Avoidance/Escape) Attention (Positive and/or Negative) Tangible (Access to Rewards) Sensory (Alone)

Example It’s nearly lunchtime with 15 minutes of class left. Hakeem has been working on a typical assignment- 40 math problems on solving equations. Hakeem begins yelling curse words and says, “I don’t have to do this,” while throwing his paper on the floor. The teacher responds by saying, “You do this all the time! Why can’t you just do your work?” and gives him a time-out for the remainder of the class period. Antecedents: Behavior: Consequences: Possible functions…

Example Cookie is usually seated at her desk all morning when working on academic tasks. Around mid- morning Cookie will start to rock in her chair for 2-3 minutes. She will begin to moan in a high pitch before she puts her left hand in her mouth, biting between her thumb and forefinger. Mrs. Lyon, the IA, will remove her hand from her mouth and have her stand up and walk around the room. After a few minutes Cookie calms down and is able to return to her seat. Antecedents: Behavior: Consequences: Possible functions…

Keep in Mind… Do something when things are going well. Address problems before they escalate Provide antecedents and positive reinforcing consequences for desirable behavior Remove or change antecedents that come before problem behavior The goal is to improve or replace a behavior with a more appropriate one, not just stopping a behavior when it occurs.

When Should ABC data be collected? Can help determine why a behavior may occur Recognize environmental and situational patterns Aids in choosing an appropriate replacement behavior