Date of Conferral

9-15-2026

Date of Award

September 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Steven Little

Abstract

As the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) expands across diverse settings, there is an increasing need for assessment models that balance empirical rigor with practical feasibility. This quantitative, non-experimental study was an examination of the perceptions and experiences of board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and board certified behavior analysts doctorate (BCBA-Ds) regarding the comparative utility of traditional functional behavior assessment (FBA) and practical functional assessment (PFA). Data were collected from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and BCBA-Ds using a structured, cross-sectional online survey assessing three primary domains: efficiency, resource utilization, and social validity. Descriptive findings indicated that practitioners perceived PFA as more time-efficient and less resource-intensive than traditional FBA. Results did not reveal statistically significant differences in practitioner satisfaction. Although statistical significance was not achieved, descriptive trends suggested a preference for PFA. These findings highlight the importance of practitioner perspectives and suggest that PFA may offer practical advantages in applied settings, warranting further investigation with larger samples and more precise measurement approaches. This study contributes to positive social change by informing more efficient, feasible, and socially acceptable behavioral assessment practices that may improve service delivery, reduce practitioner burden, and enhance outcomes for individuals receiving behavioral support services across diverse applied settings.

Download

Share

 
COinS