08/17/2026
Friends of Endicott (that's you!)
Doctoral Elective for Fall 2026: Functional Behavioral Assessment: From Referral to Function with Dr. Jill Harper
Most contemporary approaches to the assessment of problem behavior share a common objective: identifying the environmental variables and functional relations that influence and maintain behavior. Collectively, these approaches are referred to as Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). This seminar provides an in-depth examination of the conceptual foundations, research literature, and practical applications of FBA. The course begins with an overview of the three primary approaches to FBA: indirect assessment, descriptive assessment, and experimental analysis. Building on this foundation, the seminar will explore the historical development, current advances, and future directions of functional analysis methodology. Topics will include: (1) ethical and safety considerations in behavioral assessment; (2) the individualized design of assessments, including identification and definition of target behaviors, measurement systems, experimental design, and the selection or development of assessment conditions; and (3) data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making. Through critical analysis of seminal and contemporary research, students will evaluate methodological strengths and limitations, examine emerging trends, and consider implications for clinical practice and future research. Weekly seminar discussions will integrate scholarly literature with case-based applications to support the development of advanced assessment and decision-making skills in applied behavior analysis.
https://sites.google.com/endicott.edu/iabsdoctoralelectives/jill-harper?authuser=0
