A Survey of Expert Decision‐Making in Functional Analysis Methodology

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) relies on functional behavior assessments (FBAs) like functional analysis (FA) to address challenging behaviors effectively. FA, the most rigorous FBA method, accurately identifies underlying functional variables, guiding targeted interventions. Despite FA's proven efficacy, its integration into ABA practice is limited. This inconsistency may stem from inadequate training on FA methodologies' strengths and limitations. This study surveyed recognized FA experts to identify their recommendations for selecting FA methods. Fifteen experts participated, sharing insights on backgrounds, training needs, and decision‐making criteria across 11 FA variations. Experts emphasized considering multiple FA methodologies and offered detailed considerations for practitioners selecting FA types as part of the FA process. Their insights have the potential to inform practitioner decision‐making based on expert input.