ABC Data Observations
Collecting ABC Data involves documenting the following information while observing the student:
• ABC Observations are used to confirm the accuracy of the teacher interview.
• Designed to be individualized for the student you will be observing based on interview results • Use the interview summary statement to guide when and where to conduct ABC observation. • Start by recording the behavior, then write what happened directly before (Antecedent) and after (Consequence) the behavior. Frequent Mistake Alert! 1. It is tempting to describe the student's escalating behavior as the consequence. The consequence is meant to indicate what is maintaining the behavior - what makes the behavior of concern effective. So, think about how others respond and how the student's environment changes as a result of the behavior of concern. What does the student get or avoid? 2. ABC Data is a direct measure, meaning it is intended to record the information in the moment. It is tempting to sit down and write out all of the antecedents and consequences for the behavior. Although this can sometimes be useful, it is more powerful to take data in the moment because it allows you to review the data at a later time. Sometimes the data may surprise you - a trigger may be more common than you realized, or there may be an outcome/consequence that you hadn't realized was reinforcing the behavior. |