Past and Future Directions of Functional Analysis Research

The advent of functional analysis (FA) technology (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982/1994) revolutionized the treatment of severe behavior disorders. Since the initial demonstration of the utility of the FA in determining the environmental variables responsible for the maintenance of self-injurious behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities, FA methodology has been successfully used to develop effective function-based treatments for a range of problem behaviors and populations. Despite these advances, more research is needed in areas of growing societal concern. This presentation will provide a general overview of current FA research as well as possible areas for future research and application.