What is the experimental assessment that investigates controlling variables of problem behavior called?

The correct assessment for investigating controlling variables of problem behavior is functional analysis. This approach involves systematically manipulating environmental variables to determine their effect on the occurrence of a particular behavior. By doing this, practitioners can identify the function of the behavior, whether it is to gain attention, escape an unpleasant situation, or obtain tangible items.

In functional analysis, various conditions are arranged to provoke the target behavior in controlled settings, allowing for a clear understanding of the maintaining variables. This method is particularly valuable because it directly tests hypotheses about the antecedents and consequences of behaviors, thus providing concrete evidence for developing effective intervention strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.

Other assessment methods, while useful, do not involve the same level of control or manipulation as functional analysis. For instance, direct assessments gather data on the behavior as it occurs without the systematic manipulation of variables, while descriptive assessments provide correlational data about the behavior in its natural context. Indirect assessments rely on reports from caregivers or questionnaires, which lack the immediacy and control found in a functional analysis. Therefore, functional analysis stands out as the most rigorous method for determining the causes of problem behavior.