How does a functional analysis (FA) differ from an FBA?

• A. FA experimentally manipulates conditions to confirm function; FBA generates hypotheses about function.
• B. FA is observations; FBA is experiments.
• C. FA focuses on skills; FBA focuses on behavior.
• D. FA is only used for reinforcement strategies.

Answer: (A)

A functional analysis tests the function of a behavior by systematically changing antecedents and consequences and observing how the target behavior changes. This experimental manipulation shows which consequence actually reinforces the behavior, providing clear evidence of the function.

A functional behavior assessment is a broader process that gathers information—through interviews, direct observation, ABC recording, and other data methods—to generate educated hypotheses about the function. It aims to identify likely reinforcers and causes, but it does not by itself experimentally manipulate conditions to prove function.

In practice, the FA can be used to test and confirm the hypotheses generated during an FBA, and the FBA informs what kinds of interventions to try. The distinction is experimental confirmation of function versus hypothesis-generation based on descriptive data.