Final answer:
To accurately hypothesize about the function of a target behavior, one must review literature, observe and record the behavior, and conduct interviews, excluding immediate hypothesis formulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before one can make a hypothesis about the function(s) of the target behavior, they must undertake several preparatory steps, but they do NOT need to formulate a hypothesis immediately. The process includes conducting a literature review to understand what previous research has found about the behavior, observing and recording the behavior to gather evidence, and interviewing individuals related to the behavior to obtain different perspectives and additional information. A hypothesis should only be formulated after these steps have been taken, ensuring that it is grounded in observed data and existing research.