According to Hawkins (1979), the behavioral assessment is similar to the shape of a funnel. The beginning of the assessment should be broad and consider all possibilities while having a narrow scope of the behavior. There are 5 stages that form the behavioral funnel and to better understand Dr. Harvey’s “selective hearing” response each step will be assessed in order to find a better understanding. The following steps are in chronological order of the behavioral funnel. …show more content…
Is the person who is the focus of the study belong at that institution? I would initially perform a screening and would notice the cotton placed in Dr. Harvey’s ear depicting the injury he sustained. Due to this issue, I would determine it would be in his best interest to send him to another facility where any physiological impairments causing the behavioral response could be ruled out. After all medical complications are ruled out, Dr. Harvey would then be deemed a good fit (Hawkins, 1979).
In the definition and general quantification of problem or achievement step, I would perform another assessment on Dr. Harvey’s behavior and would identify the “selective hearing” problem behavior. During the assessment, it was found Dr. Harvey would not respond due to the subject matter of the question. Additionally, I would determine his skill level based on Dr. Harvey’s repertoire. This will lead to the determination of behavioral objectives and the environment where these goals will be met and ultimately a behavior plan (Hawkins, …show more content…
Harvey’s current levels will be assessed and the intervention will be adjusted accordingly. The behavioral intervention I would implement would be positive reinforcement to increase the level of Dr. Harvey’s responding to questions. I would use the item he found to be the most desirable during the preference assessment and use it to reinforce the target behavior of answering questions. Dr. Harvey found Mountain Dew to be the most preferred reinforcer. However, if while monitoring his progress the selective hearing response increases the type of reinforcement will be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, if other aspects of the behavioral assessment are undesirable they will be monitored until positive progress is shown. Measurements will be used to ensure the results are accurate and reliable (Hawkins,