17 ABC Analysis

When an incident occurs, we may wonder what triggered that behaviour. The ABC analysis helps us to identify the social interactions and environmental situations that may cause children to react in certain ways. If we are to reinforce a child’s positive behaviour or change a child’s challenging behaviour, we must first try to understand what might be causing that particular behaviour.

With an ABC Analysis, the observer is looking for and tracking a specific behaviour (the “B” in the ABC acronym). More than the behaviour itself, the observer wants to understand what is causing the behaviour – this is the antecedent (the “A” in ABC). The antecedent happens before the behaviour. It is believed that if the observer can find the triggers that might be leading up to or causing the challenging behaviour, then potential strategies can be planned to alter, redirect, or stop the challenging behaviour.

In addition to uncovering the antecedent, what happens after the behaviour is just as important. This is the consequence (the “C” in ABC). The response that follows an incident or challenging behaviour can create a positive or negative reinforcement pattern. In short, an ABC analysis tells a brief story of what is happening before, during, and after a noted behaviour.

The ABC analysis requires some training and practice. The observer must practice being neutral and free of bias, judgment, and assumption in order to collect and record objective evidence and portray an accurate picture. Although it may be uncomfortable to admit, certain behaviours can frustrate an educator. If the educator observes a child while feeling frustrated or annoyed, this can possibly taint the observation data. It is important to record just the facts and review the whole situation before making any premature assumptions.

Collecting your Data

If you have a concern about a child’s behaviour or if you have noticed a time when a child’s behaviour has been rather disruptive, you should schedule a planned observation. For this type of observation, you can either record the child, or you can take observation notes using a running record or anecdotal record. To find a consistent pattern, it is best to document your observations for several days to find a true and consistent pattern. Be sure to include the child’s name, date, time, setting, and context. Observe and write down everything you see and hear before, during, and after the noted behaviour.

Organizing your Data

Divide a piece of paper into 3 sections: A – for Antecedent; B – for Behaviour; and C- for Consequence. Using your observation notes, organize the information you collected into the proper sections. As you record the observation evidence, remember to report just the facts as objectively as possible. Afterwards, interpret the information and look for patterns. For example, did you find any triggers before the behaviour occurred? What kind of reinforcement followed the behaviour? What are some possible strategies you can try to minimize or redirect the challenging behaviour? Do you need to make environmental changes? Are there social interactions that need to be further monitored? With challenging behaviours, there is not a quick fix or an easy answer. You must follow through and continue to observe the child to see if your strategies are working.