In a functional analysis, which condition is defined by the therapist being present in the room but delivering no programmed consequence?

In a functional analysis, which condition is defined by the therapist being present in the room but delivering no programmed consequence?

• A. Alone condition
• B. Attention condition
• C. Control condition
• D. Escape condition

Answer: (C)

In functional analysis, you compare how a behavior changes across different conditions that manipulate what happens after a response. The scenario described is the control condition: the therapist is in the room but delivers no programmed consequence. Since there’s no reinforcement or punishment tied to the behavior, this condition serves as a neutral baseline to see what the behavior looks like without contingencies. It also helps separate the effect of simply having the therapist present from effects driven by specific consequences like attention or task demands. Other conditions involve clear consequences tied to the behavior—for example, attention being given only after the behavior, or demands being placed so that the behavior can be followed by escape. The alone condition has the therapist absent and no social interaction, which differs from having a non-contingent presence.

In functional analysis, you compare how a behavior changes across different conditions that manipulate what happens after a response. The scenario described is the control condition: the therapist is in the room but delivers no programmed consequence. Since there’s no reinforcement or punishment tied to the behavior, this condition serves as a neutral baseline to see what the behavior looks like without contingencies. It also helps separate the effect of simply having the therapist present from effects driven by specific consequences like attention or task demands.

Other conditions involve clear consequences tied to the behavior—for example, attention being given only after the behavior, or demands being placed so that the behavior can be followed by escape. The alone condition has the therapist absent and no social interaction, which differs from having a non-contingent presence.