Functions of behavior
1st paragrapg:
Post the functions of behavior. Why is identifying the functions of behavior considered ethical practice?
reading:We all do things for a reason. Drinking coffee in the morning might keep you alert and focused as you start your day. Being sociable and congenial to those around you may help establish a positive social environment and reduce the potential for stress and conflict. A person’s day is often filled with behaviors that may increase happiness or reduce stress. This is equally true of individuals with disabilities or learning issues. In order to develop techniques to help these individuals, it is critical to first identify the function of the behavior in achieving a consequence for the individual.
2nd paragraph:
scenerio: Consider the following:
Currently, 15 states explicitly allow corporal punishment but let local school boards decide whether to use it. With this in mind, consider the following scenario:
Anywhere Middle School is located in a state where corporal punishment is still acceptable. The school administrator is designated as the administrator to administer corporal punishment to all students.
Post your determination and explanation of whether the practice described in the scenario would be considered ethical based on the BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Explain what variables should be considered when punishment is used. Based on the Internet search and your personal experiences, explain how your thoughts toward corporal punishment in both schools and home have and/or have not changed.
Sample Solution
The functions of behavior are the underlying reasons why people engage in certain activities, and understanding these functions is an important part of ethical practice. This is especially true for individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties, as identifying how the individual’s behavior serves to achieve a desired outcome can help develop more effective interventions. For example, if a child engages in disruptive behaviors such as shouting or temper tantrums, it could be due to seeking attention from others which allows them to feel validated and accepted by their peers (Dillenburger & Keenan, 2011).
By analyzing the function of this behavior rather than just focusing on reducing its occurrence; practitioners can then provide alternative strategies that still fulfill the same need while being more socially appropriate. This could involve providing positive reinforcement when they use acceptable methods like communication instead so they gain similar rewards without having to resort to disruptive actions.
Moreover, simply knowing what motivates an individual’s actions can also lead to decreased stress levels for both parties involved since expectations become clearer and it becomes easier for everyone involved to make informed decisions accordingly (McConnell et al., 2016).
Therefore, correct identification of functional behavior plays a vital role in maintaining ethical practices as it helps promote better outcomes for people who may have difficulty expressing their needs in conventional ways.