The four basic functions of behavior, which help us understand why people do what they do, are attention, escape, access, and sensory needs.
Understanding the Functions of Behavior
It's important to understand why a behavior is occurring in order to effectively address it. These four functions provide a framework for analyzing behavior and developing interventions. According to the provided reference, understanding these functions allows us to categorize someone's actions and determine why they occur.
The Four Functions Explained
Here's a breakdown of each function, with examples:
| Function | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Behavior occurs to gain attention from others (e.g., peers, adults). | A child makes silly noises in class to get their classmates to laugh. |
| Escape | Behavior occurs to avoid or escape an undesirable situation or task. | A student pretends to be sick to avoid taking a test. |
| Access | Behavior occurs to gain access to a tangible item or activity. | A toddler cries until their parent gives them a cookie. |
| Sensory | Behavior occurs because it provides sensory stimulation that the individual finds reinforcing. | An individual constantly taps their fingers on a table because they enjoy the sensation. |
Practical Applications
Knowing the function of a behavior helps in developing effective interventions. For example:
- If a child is seeking attention, providing them with positive attention when they are engaging in appropriate behaviors can reduce the need for attention-seeking misbehavior.
- If a student is trying to escape a difficult task, modifying the task or providing support can help them overcome the challenge and avoid the need to escape.
- If a behavior serves a sensory function, providing alternative, appropriate ways to meet that sensory need can reduce the occurrence of the problem behavior.
