ABSTRACT
Several methods have been used to observe behaviour, all of which are 'time expensive'. The methodologies all require professional carers to dedicate time to the exercise of reliable observation and recording. An ecobehavioural analysis provides an accurate and detailed description in terms of how often the behaviour occurred, the circumstances in which it arose and the consequences for the person, as well as any relevant background features, both situational and contextual. Functional analysis builds on the empirical rigour of a behavioural analysis and addresses the function served by the challenging behaviour. The observation and recording of the target behaviours should take place over a period of one to two weeks in order to avoid making decisions on the basis of short-term fluctuations in behaviour. Functional analysis is founded on accurate observation and considered information gathering. The use of 'unobservables' increases the explanatory power of a functional analysis and helps to achieve an imaginative person-centred explanation.
