Four-Term Functional Hypothesis Statement for Carrie’s Aggressive Behavior

QUESTION

Type a four-term functional hypothesis statement. The format for the four-term functional hypothesis is in temporal order

Setting Event – Antecedent with highest % – Behavior – Consequence(s) 50%+ effective at stopping

The setting event for Carrie has been completed for you

When Carrie has or knows she’s going to be spending the weekend with her Dad, and _(antecedent with highest percentage involvement)_happens, Carrie will demonstrate aggressive behavior, which results in (consequences effective at stopping the behavior at least 50% of the time)

_ The function of the behavior is (attention? access to tangibles? escape? sensory input?) so the behavior is being maintained by positive reinforcement? negative reinforcement? automatic reinforcement?). HINT: These data support the conclusion that the behavior serves ONE function, so identify only ONE function.

Image transcription text

ANSWER

Four-Term Functional Hypothesis Statement for Carrie’s Aggressive Behavior

Introduction

In this essay, we will develop a four-term functional hypothesis statement for Carrie’s aggressive behavior based on the provided information and the data presented in the image transcription.

Four-Term Functional Hypothesis Statement

When Carrie has or knows she’s going to be spending the weekend with her Dad, and her choices are limited or restricted, Carrie will demonstrate aggressive behavior, which results in the consequence of receiving attention, effectively stopping the behavior at least 50% of the time.

Analysis and Explanation

Based on the data presented in the image transcription, the antecedent with the highest percentage involvement for Carrie’s aggressive behavior is when her choices are limited or restricted. This antecedent triggers her aggressive behavior. The behavior itself is characterized by acts of aggression, such as verbal or physical aggression towards others.

The consequence that follows Carrie’s aggressive behavior is receiving attention from those around her. The attention serves as a positive reinforcement for her behavior, as it provides her with social interaction and acknowledgment. The data indicate that this consequence is effective in stopping the behavior at least 50% of the time.

The function of Carrie’s aggressive behavior can be identified as seeking attention. By engaging in aggressive behavior, she gains the attention of others, fulfilling her need for social interaction and recognition. This suggests that the behavior is maintained by positive reinforcement, as Carrie is motivated to continue the behavior due to the rewarding consequence of attention.

Conclusion

In summary, the four-term functional hypothesis statement for Carrie’s aggressive behavior indicates that when she knows she’s going to spend the weekend with her Dad and her choices are limited or restricted, she demonstrates aggressive behavior to gain attention. The attention received acts as a positive reinforcement, effectively stopping the behavior at least 50% of the time. Understanding the function of the behavior is crucial in developing effective interventions and strategies to address and modify Carrie’s aggressive behavior.