The Changing Character of Behavioral Assessment and Treatment: A Historical Introduction and Review of Functional Analysis Research

This paper presents a brief introduction to the historical development of functional analysis as an important pretreatment assessment and analysis strategy for treating academic and social behavior problems. Studies considered to be seminal or influential are reviewed to highlight the historical and contemporary refinement of functional analysis methodologies. Conclusions are presented in terms of functional analysis' conceptual and methodological impact on behavioral assessment and treatment, and its advancement into various human service sectors concerned with the care of individuals with special needs.