Dp. Wacker et al., THE IMPACT OF FUNCTIONAL-ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY ON OUTPATIENT-CLINIC SERVICES, Journal of applied behavior analysis, 27(2), 1994, pp. 405-407
The impact of the article by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richma
n (1982) on research in severe behavior disorders has been impressive.
Equally impressive, however, but not as fully recognized, has been th
e impact of this methodology on the routine professional activities of
those who employ functional analysis methods in their daily work. As
one example of this impact, we describe the evolution of assessment pr
ocedures based on ''brief functional analysis'' methodology in our out
patient clinics. Less apparent have been the collateral effects that o
ccur from using these procedures. Interactions with clients and collea
gues have changed in ways that result in increased positive reinforcem
ent. In this article, we briefly discuss the positive impact functiona
l analysis has had on one specific work behavior-outpatient clinic ass
essment-and describe some of the generalized effects we have experienc
ed in related aspects of our daily professional activities.