Final answer:
The contingent attention condition in a functional analysis examines the relationship between a specific behavior and the presence or absence of a consequence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contingent attention condition in a functional analysis aims to determine if a behavior is occurring in response to a specific environmental cue or event.
In this condition, a consequence or event is presented only when the targeted behavior occurs, and is withheld when the behavior does not occur. By analyzing the occurrence or absence of the behavior in relation to the contingent consequence, researchers can determine if the behavior is under the control of the specific environmental cue.
For example, if a student is only rewarded with praise when they raise their hand in class, and they stop raising their hand when the praise is no longer provided, it suggests that attention is a reinforcing consequence for the behavior of raising their hand.