Which method is NOT typically used in functional analysis?

Functional analysis is a systematic methodology used to identify the causes of problem behaviors by manipulating variables to observe their effect on the behavior. The primary focus is on understanding the relationship between antecedents (triggers) and consequences (reinforcers) around the behavior, which allows practitioners to determine the function of that behavior.

Conducting preference assessments involves evaluating what items or activities are preferred by an individual, which is mainly used to inform interventions or to increase motivation. While preference assessments can be an important tool in behavior intervention planning, they do not directly address understanding the causes of problem behaviors in the same manner as the methods used in functional analysis. Therefore, it is not typically utilized as part of the functional analysis process, which is focused on discerning the specific antecedents and consequences that maintain the behavior.

In contrast, manipulating antecedents and consequences is central to functional analysis, as it directly assesses how different variables affect the behavior. Observing natural interactions is also relevant because it provides context for understanding the behavior in real-world scenarios. Systematically applying behavior modification techniques involves strategies that align with the findings from a functional analysis. Thus, these methods are integral to the functional analysis framework.