Final answer:
Before introducing an alternative to problem behavior, a behavior analyst must identify the behavior's function and determine an alternative behavior that serves the same function, entailing all of the above-mentioned steps. The correct answer is option: all of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before teaching an alternative to problem behavior, a behavior analyst must first identify the function of the problem behavior. It is critical to understand why an individual is engaging in a particular behavior.
Once the function is identified, the next step is to identify the alternative behavior to teach. However, it is not enough to just pick any alternative behavior; the selected alternative must serve the same function as the problem behavior to ensure that it effectively replaces the undesired behavior.
Therefore, the correct course of action encompasses all of the above steps: identifying the function, identifying the alternative, and ensuring functional equivalence between the problem and alternative behaviors.