In the following tables you will find two examples of ABC Analysis. Beneath each table the behaviors are identified as well as the hypothesis. The hypothesis statement comes from an evaluation of the antecedents and consequences that surrounded the problem behavior.

Samantha Worley Date: 10-15-04
Setting Information: At the end of resource room time, preparing to transition to physical education.
Time Antecedents Behavior Consequence
10:15 Teacher tells Samantha it is time to put things away and get ready to move to physical education. Samantha ignores teacher and continues to leaf through book. Teacher moves to desk to put things away.
10:16 Teacher tells Samantha to put the book away and get ready for physical education. Samantha turns her back to the teacher and throws the book on the floor. Teacher approaches Samantha and tells her to put the book in the bookcase.
10:17 Teacher picks up book and put it in bookcase Goes to the adjoining room and sits. Teacher goes to her desk.
10:20 Teacher tells Samantha she is late for physical education. Samantha storms out of the room knocking books off shelf. Teacher picks up books.

Behaviors: Samantha is showing noncompliant behaviors (refusing to put things away, get ready for her next class, leave for the next class on shedule).

Function of Behaviors: Samantha is showing these noncompliant behaviors to escape or avoid physical education class.

Ben Abbott Date: 10-15-04
Setting Information: Playground
Time Antecedents Behavior Consequence
12:36 Students are running around in a circle Ben pushes Pat from behind. Pat turns around and yells at Ben to stop.
12:42 Students are standing in a circle talking Ben says to Pat, "You're a runt" and shoves him. Pat says, "Leave me alone."
12:45 Students are standing in a circle talking. Ben hits Pat on the arm. Pat hits him back.
12:48 Bell rings and students begin to run to classroom. Ben hits Pat on the back as the two are running toward the building. Pat stops and lets Ben run past him and says "quit bugging me".

Behaviors: Tim is making rude comments to Pat. Tim is demonstrating physical aggression (general descriptor), by pushing and hitting (specific descriptor).

Function of Behaviors: Ben is demonstrating these behavior to get attention from Pat.