Before behavior can be investigated or managed, it is imperative that the behavior or the need behind the behavior be understood. Parents, friends, and educators must take the time to discover the reason for the behavior, in order to understand the behavior itself. Kaplan (1995) reminds readers that, by nature, humans do not engage in any behavior without previously attaching a reason or desired outcome to the behavior. With this theory in mind, the reason for the behavior must be identified, and a hypothesis of the behavior must be formed.
A simplistic approach can be used when trying to hypothesize about a behavior. Behavior management specialists for decades have been using a simple observational technique known as ABC. Antecedent - what happened immediately prior to the behavior? Behavior - describe the behavior in detail. And, Consequence - what was the result of the behavior? Remember that a consequence usually is not negative in this stage of behavioral observation. A consequence could be that the student was removed from the classroom and therefore avoided work. At home a consequence could be that by throwing a tantrum directly before leaving the house, the child got to remain at home - which was their desired outcome from their behavior.
From using sound behavior observations and the simple ABC method, behaviors can often be correctly hypothesized and therefore be ready for the next step in resolving the situation.