Behavioral Assessment

Synonyms

Behavior/behavioral analysis; Behavior/behavioral observation

Definition

Behavioral assessment is a systematic collection of data, obtained through direct observation, often in natural settings, rather than sole administration of standardized tests. Behavior assessment can be informal or formal and standardized. Based on learning theory, behavioral assessment considers the context of a person’s actions, including antecedents that precede and might trigger the action, as well as consequences that follow the behavior which might reinforce the behavior. Behavior assessment can be used to describe a person’s functioning (i.e., arousal, initiation, or agitation) and evaluate effectiveness of therapy interventions or medications. In persons who have behavioral disorders due to neurological causes, behavior assessment is the first step for evaluating the situation so that remediation recommendations can be made. Patients are often directly observed in physical or occupational therapy...