Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) Comprehensive Practice Exam

Social conformity is not considered a primary function of behavior in the context of behavior analysis. The primary functions of behavior are generally understood to be related to meeting an individual's needs or desires, which typically include gaining attention, accessing tangible items, or escaping from undesirable situations.

When behavior is aimed at gaining attention, it serves the function of drawing focus from others, which can positively reinforce the individual when they receive social interaction as a result. Access to tangible items refers to behaviors that lead to obtaining physical objects or privileges, essential for satisfying personal needs or wants. Escape functions relate to behaviors that aim to avoid or remove oneself from situations that are aversive, such as a stressful task or interaction.

In contrast, social conformity implies adherence to group norms and expectations, which may not directly fulfill an individual's personal needs in the same way that the other functions do. While individuals may indeed modify their behavior to fit in or conform to social norms, this is not a fundamental function of behavior as framed by behavior analysis.