What is the primary purpose of a functional behavioral assessment (FBA)?

• A. To identify the function of a behavior to guide interventions.
• B. To determine a student's overall intelligence.
• C. To decide which curriculum is best for the class.
• D. To grade a student's conduct.

Answer: (C)

The main purpose of a functional behavioral assessment is to identify the function of a behavior in order to guide effective interventions. By looking at what happens before the behavior and what follows it, you form a hypothesis about why the student is acting that way—such as to gain attention, obtain a tangible object, escape or avoid a task, or to meet a sensory need. This understanding helps teams design supports that change the triggers, teach a replacement behavior that serves the same function, and adjust consequences to reinforce the desired behavior. It’s not about measuring intelligence, choosing a curriculum, or grading conduct; those areas fall outside the scope of an FBA.