#31 - Challenging the 4-Function Worldview w/ Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman
Release Date: 06/01/2025
#32- Is Private Equity Good for ABA? w/ Dr. Cody Morris
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss private equity as an ownership structure and its implications for ABA companies w/ Dr. Cody Morris. 1 Ethics CE (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. References: Morris, C. (2025). Private Equity in Behavior Analysis: A Reckoning. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 1-7. Morris, C., Grauerholz-Fisher, E., Ellsworth, M. E., & Crocker, C. E. (2024). A primer on private equity ownership in...
info_outline
#31 - Challenging the 4-Function Worldview w/ Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman
Functional Relations
In this episode Zach and Caleb are joined by Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman where the discussion focuses on challenging the 4-function worldview in the context of assessing and treating problem behavior. 2 CEs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at To connect with Dithu and the FTF team for a number of different types of support in serving individuals with severe problem behavior (among other behavioral challenges), click...
info_outline
#30 - Cultural Selection and Living a Good Life w/ Dr. Dave Palmer
Functional Relations
In the episode, Zach and Caleb discuss cultural selection and how it can be used to make improvements to your life with Dr. Dave Palmer. Check out all the things going on at the B.F. Skinner Foundation: 1 CE is available for this episode. You can purchase it at If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at References: Skinner, B. F. (1984). Selection by consequences. Behavioral and brain sciences, 7(4), 477-481. Skinner, Burrhus Frederic. "What is wrong with daily life in the western world?." American...
info_outline
#29 - Enhance Your Supervision w/ Dr. Ellie Kazemi
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss how to plan and structure supervision with Dr. Ellie Kazemi. 1 Supervision CE is available for this episode. You can purchase it at If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at Dr. Kazemi’s book on supervision: Discount Code: AUTHOR30 Dr. Pat Friman Video: References: Kazemi, E., Adzhyan, P., & Rice, B. (2024). Fieldwork and supervision for behavior analysts: A handbook. Springer Publishing Company.
info_outline
#28 - How YOU Can Bring ABA to Hospitals w/ Dr. Casey Clay
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb talk to Dr. Casey Clay about how behavior analysts can bring ABA to hospital settings. 1 learning CE is available for this episode. You can purchase it at If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at References: Allen, K. D., Barone, V. J., & Kuhn, B. R. (1993). A behavioral prescription for promoting applied behavior analysis within pediatrics. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26(4), 493-502. Friman, P. C. (2010). Come on in, the water is fine: Achieving mainstream relevance...
info_outline
#27 - The Future of ABA is Now: AI, VR, and Ethics w/ Dr. Ellie Kazemi
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss new technology with Dr. Ellie Kazemi, and its implications for training, ethics, and the future of ABA. Bill Gates discussing the internet with Letterman in 1995: To further support us, check out our silly video at References: Chang, A. A., Kazemi, E., Esmaeili, V., & Davies, M. S. (2024). The effectiveness of virtual reality training: A systematic review. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 44(3), 214-232. DiGennaro Reed, F. D., Blackman, A. L., Erath, T. G., Brand, D., & Novak, M. D. (2018). Guidelines for using...
info_outline
#26 - Behavioral Economics for Real-World Interventions w/ Dr. Brent Kaplan
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss using behavioral economics for real-world interventions with Dr. Brent Kaplan. Check out Dr. Kaplan’s Website to access copies of his publications, try out his behavioral-oriented software, and view other projects he’s working on: To further support us, check out our silly video at References: Kaplan, B. A. & Reed, D. D. (2012). The matching law: A tutorial for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4(2), 15-24. doi: 10.1007/BF03391780 Reed, D. D., Niileksela, C., & Kaplan, B. A. (2013). Behavioral economics: A tutorial for behavior...
info_outline
#25 - Matching Law in Real-Life Interventions w/ Dr. Brent Kaplan
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss using the matching law in real-life interventions with Dr. Brent Kaplan. Check out Dr. Kaplan’s Website to access copies of his publications, try out his behavioral-oriented software, and view other projects he’s working on: To further support us, check out our silly video at . References: Kaplan, B. A. & Reed, D. D. (2012). The matching law: A tutorial for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4(2), 15-24. doi: 10.1007/BF03391780 Reed, D. D., Niileksela, C., & Kaplan, B. A. (2013). Behavioral economics: A tutorial for behavior...
info_outline
#24 - Using Motivating Operations Like a Pro w/ Dr. Sarah Frampton
Functional Relations
In this episode, Zach and Caleb talk with Dr. Sarah Frampton about teaching mands, “deprivation” as an ABA term, indicating responses, interrupting chaining procedures, and the ethics of mand training. Apply to learn from Dr. Frampton and others in the University Nebraska at Omaha ABA master’s program: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/psychology/academics/graduate-programs/aba-program/index.php Mand training role play scenario supplemental materials:...
info_outline
#23 - Using Radical Behaviorism to Set and Accomplish Goals w/ Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman - Pt. 2
Functional Relations
In Part 2 of a 2 part interview with Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman, Zach and Caleb discuss using radical behaviorism to set and accomplish goals. 1 learning CE is available for this episode. You can purchase it at If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at References: Baum, W. M. (2017). Understanding behaviorism: Behavior, culture, and evolution. John Wiley & Sons. Catania, A. C. (1975). The myth of self-reinforcement. Behaviorism, 3(2), 192-199. Peterson, S. M., Aljadeff-Abergel, E., Eldridge, R. R.,...
info_outlineIn this episode Zach and Caleb are joined by Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman where the discussion focuses on challenging the 4-function worldview in the context of assessing and treating problem behavior.
2 CEs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com
If you feel that our podcast is a valuable contribution to the field of ABA, please consider supporting us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/functionalrelationspodcast
To connect with Dithu and the FTF team for a number of different types of support in serving individuals with severe problem behavior (among other behavioral challenges), click here: https://ftfbc.com/contact-us/
Pertaining to Mand compliance:
1. Seminal Paper: Bowman, L. G., Fisher, W. W., Thompson, R. H., & Piazza, C. C. (1997). On the relation of mands and the function of destructive behavior. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 30(2), 251-265.
2. Literature review: Rajaraman, A., & Hanley, G. P. (2021). Mand compliance as a contingency controlling problem behavior: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(1), 103-121.
Pertaining to the evolution of functional analysis:
1. Carr, E. G. (1977). The motivation of self-injurious behavior: a review of some hypotheses. Psychological bulletin, 84(4), 800.
2. Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994). Toward a functional analysis of self‐injury. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 27(2), 197-209.
3. Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). Functional analysis of problem behavior: A review. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 36(2), 147-185.
On Literature reviews:
Narrative review examples:
1. Thompson, R. H., & Iwata, B. A. (2005). A review of reinforcement control procedures. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 38(2), 257-278.
2. Friman, P. C., Hayes, S. C., & Wilson, K. G. (1998). Why behavior analysts should study emotion: The example of anxiety. Journal of applied Behavior analysis, 31(1), 137-156.
3. Rajaraman, A., Austin, J. L., Gover, H. C., Cammilleri, A. P., Donnelly, D. R., & Hanley, G. P. (2022). Toward trauma‐informed applications of behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(1), 40-61.
Systematic or Scoping review (not meta-analyses) examples relevant to the discussion:
1. Jessel, J., Hanley, G. P., & Ghaemmaghami, M. (2020). On the standardization of the functional analysis. Behavior analysis in practice, 13, 205-216.
2. Ghaemmaghami, M., Hanley, G. P., & Jessel, J. (2021). Functional communication training: From efficacy to effectiveness. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 54(1), 122-143.
3. Howell, M., Dounavi, K., & Storey, C. (2019). To choose or not to choose?: A systematic literature review considering the effects of antecedent and consequence choice upon on-task and problem behaviour. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6, 63-84.
4. Hustyi, K. M., Logue, J. J., & Hall, S. S. (2025). Skill-based treatment for challenging behavior in autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review of treatment characteristics and outcomes. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 119, 102523.
5. Cengher, M., Bowman, M. D., Shawler, L. A., & Ceribo‐Singh, M. S. M. (2022). A systematic review of mands for information. Behavioral Interventions, 37(3), 864-886.
Meta-analyses examples relevant to the discussion:
1. Gover, H. C., Hanley, G. P., & Ruppel, K. W. (2022). On the generality of preference for contingent reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(2), 318-336.
2. Slaton, J. D., & Hanley, G. P. (2018). Nature and scope of synthesis in functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(4), 943-973.
3. Layman, L. N., Dufrene, B. A., Ackley, M. M., Weaver, C. M., Schneider, D. E., LaBrot, Z. C., ... & Olmi, D. J. (2024). Interview-informed synthesized contingency analyses on challenging problem behavior: A single-case meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 11(3), 640-658.