Danov, Stacy2011-01-042011-01-042010-08https://hdl.handle.net/11299/98412University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. september 2010. Major: Educational Psychology. Advisor: Frank Symons, Ph.D., 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 158 pages.Clinically prescribed atypical neuroleptic medication (aripiprazole) was evaluated using a randomized AB multiple baseline, double-blind, placebo controlled design in the treatment of severe problem behavior (SPB) in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A pre-treatment screening procedure identified participants whose behavior was maintained by two behavioral mechanisms, positive or negative reinforcement. Functional analysis (FA) was conducted concurrent with the medication evaluation to determine how SPB is differentially affected by the medication under common environmental situations. Weekly rating scales were completed by parent/guardian. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, visual inspection, and inferential statistics. Results indicated that aripiprazole had differential effects across behavioral function and behavioral topography. This study demonstrated how functional analysis may provide information on those conditions and behaviors that are most likely to be affected by a specific medication.en-USFunctional AnalysisPsychopharmacologyEducational PsychologyThesis or Dissertation