CLINICAL-DIAGNOSIS, BEHAVIORAL-ASSESSMENT, AND FUNCTIONAL-ANALYSIS - EXAMINING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION

Methodologies for diagnostic problem solving are presented; namely, cl inical diagnosis using DSM-IV multiaxial empirically based assessment, and behavioral assessment (including keystone target behavior strateg y; template matching and functional analysis), These approaches are re viewed within the context of methodological and conceptual issues pert aining to the construct of treatment utility. It is argued that clinic al diagnosis and empirically based assessment may demonstrate treatmen t validity (a) relative to technological treatments matched to the dia gnosis and (b) depending on the range and scope of assessments used in problem solving. Behavioral assessment tactics also may demonstrate t reatment validity when matching treatments to target problem and the r ange and scope of assessments used in problem solving. In contrast, fu nctional assessment may demonstrate treatment validity for the functio ns of behavior as determined through descriptive and/or experimental a ssessment technologies. Directions for future research are presented w ithin each domain.