What is a primary goal of Functional Behavior Assessments?

The primary goal of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) is to inform effective interventions. FBAs are systematic processes undertaken to identify the function or purpose of a person's behavior, particularly when those behaviors are challenging. By understanding the underlying motivations—such as seeking attention, avoiding tasks, or sensory stimulation—behavior analysts and educators can tailor their interventions to directly address the specific needs or triggers associated with those behaviors.

This focus on determining the function of the behavior allows practitioners to implement individualized strategies that positively influence the behavior in question. Interventions devised with insight from FBAs tend to be more effective, as they are rooted in the analysis of why the behavior occurs rather than relying on arbitrary or generalized approaches.

The other options, while important in various contexts, do not capture the essence of what FBAs aim to accomplish. Developing new learning strategies could be a result of insights gained from an FBA, but it is not the primary goal. Designing educational curricula may also benefit from understanding student behavior, although it is a broader educational activity that involves multiple considerations beyond individual behavior analysis. Analyzing peer relationships can be a component of understanding behavior, especially within a social context, but this alone does not encapsulate the primary goal of FBAs, which is centered around