What does a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) primarily identify?

• A. The student’s IQ score
• B. The teacher’s grading policy
• C. The function of the behavior
• D. The student’s attendance history

Answer: (C)

An FBA is about uncovering why a behavior happens—the function it serves for the student in a given situation. By looking at what happens before the behavior (antecedents), what the student does (the behavior), and what follows (consequences), we form a hypothesis about the purpose of the behavior. The usual functions are to gain attention, obtain a desired item or activity, escape or avoid a task or demand, or provide sensory input. Knowing the function helps create effective supports: teaching a replacement, appropriate behavior that serves the same function, and adjusting the environment to reduce triggers.

This isn’t about measuring intelligence, grading policies, or attendance history, which don’t explain why the behavior occurs.