What do you call the specific behavior that is the focus of assessment, analysis, and intervention?

The specific behavior that is the focus of assessment, analysis, and intervention is referred to as the target behavior. Identifying a target behavior is a critical step in the behavioral analysis process, as it allows practitioners to define the precise behavior they want to change or improve. The target behavior is the observable and measurable action that interventions aim to affect.

In practice, clearly defining a target behavior aids in data collection, making it easier to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. This is essential for creating targeted strategies and implementing behavior change plans appropriately. Understanding the specific behaviors allows behavior analysts and practitioners to focus their efforts and resources effectively.

Other terms like repertoire refer to the set of behaviors that an individual has learned or can perform, while operational definitions provide detailed descriptions of how a behavior will be measured. The term measurable pertains to the ability to quantify behaviors, rather than identifying which specific behavior is targeted for intervention. Thus, target behavior is the most accurate term in this context, marking it as the focal point of behavioral assessments and interventions.