Concepts · Domain B
Topography vs. function of behavior
The difference in short
Topography describes what a behavior looks like (its form); function describes what it does (what maintains it). Two behaviors with the same topography can have different functions. In ABA, function — not form — guides the intervention.
Quick comparison
| Topography | Function | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Describes the form or shape of the behavior | Describes what maintains the behavior |
| Effect | Answers: what does it look like? | Answers: what is it for? |
| Example | “The child hits the table” (describes the form). | “He hits to escape the task” (describes the function). |
How to tell them apart
- Are you describing what the behavior LOOKS like (topography) or what it's FOR / what maintains it (function)?
Examples
Topography
“The child hits the table” (describes the form).
Function
“He hits to escape the task” (describes the function).
Frequently asked
Why does function matter more than topography?
Because the intervention depends on what maintains the behavior. The same scream can have an attention function or an escape function, and each needs a different plan.
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