Latency Based Functional Analysis
What is it?
A latency based functional analysis runs the same conditions as a traditional functional analysis, but the condition/session is stopped once the target behavior occurs or once the full-time limit has been met. This means, if the target behavior being measured occurs before the total time (e.g., 5 minutes), then the session is ended following the first instance even if 5 minutes has not elapsed. This can be helpful when wanting to decrease length of time it can take to run a functional analysis and decrease the instances of the behavior occurring. If the behavior occurs 10 seconds into the session, the session is ended.
Graphing a latency based functional analysis looks opposite a traditional functional analysis. The Y axis on the latency graph represents latency, or the amount of time between the presentation of the SD and the targeted behavior. When the behavior occurs with little latency (graphed lower on the Y axis), then this could potentially indicate the function. If the behaviors occur with high latency or not at all (graphed high on the Y axis), this could indicate the condition is not the function of the targeted behavior.
For example, let’s look at a graph together. In the graph attached, a latency based functional analysis is being shown. On the Y axis you will see is latency to response – elopement. The x-axis is showing session numbers. A table shows the circles are the play condition or also known as the control condition. When looking at the play condition, elopement behavior either did not occur or occurred at the maximum latency time allowed within session (300 seconds). This indicates elopement is not likely occurring for automatic reinforcement. The triangle represents the attention condition which refers to elopement occurring to gain social positive reinforcement in the form of attention. In data displayed, elopement occurred after only 10-100 seconds into the session start time. The squares represent the demand condition which refers to elopement occurring to gain social negative reinforcement in the form of escape from demands. In the graph displayed, elopement either did not occur (data points at maximum 300 seconds) or occurred between 250-270 seconds into session start time. These results show a longer latency to elopement in the demand condition in contrast to the attention condition. The behavior analyst might conclude that that most likely the function of elopement is social positive reinforcement – attention.
After working through this one together, check my question from last week and see if you know the answer on what the potential function is. If you have additional questions, send my way! I will be back on later this week to post the answer from the previous question.
