This episode examines how behavior analysts gather information about possible behavioral function through interviews, rating scales, questionnaires, and record review. The discussion highlights both the practical value and the limitations of indirect methods, including the risks of memory bias, explanatory fictions, and inaccurate caregiver report. It emphasizes that indirect assessment can help generate hypotheses, but should not be treated as definitive proof of behavioral function.

This podcast was generated by NotebookLM based on the contents of the textbook Applied Behavior Analysis, Third Edition, 2020, by Cooper, Heron, & Heward. The views expressed in the podcast are not meant to represent those of the authors or the instructor for this class. The podcast is also not meant as a replacement for reading and reviewing the course material.