Which of the following defines a functional assessment?

The definition of a functional assessment is centered on identifying the reasons behind specific behaviors. This method involves collecting and analyzing data to understand the function or purpose that a behavior serves for an individual. It helps practitioners determine why a certain behavior occurs by examining factors such as antecedents (what happens before the behavior) and consequences (what happens after the behavior), allowing for a targeted intervention that addresses the root cause of the behavior rather than just its symptoms. Understanding this functional relationship is crucial for developing effective behavior support plans in applied behavior analysis.

In contrast, evaluating an individual's cognitive abilities, measuring academic performance, or developing personal strategies do not directly pertain to identifying the reasons behind a behavior. These tasks focus more on assessment in other domains, rather than analyzing behavior from a functional perspective.