We compared the effects of reinforcing compliance with either positive reinforcement (edible items) or negative (a break) on 5 participants' escape‐maintained problem behavior. Both procedures were assessed without extinction. Results showed that was higher and behavior lower for all participants when produced an edible item rather than a break. Treatment gains achieved use are discussed regarding to treat escape

Impulsivity and self‐control involve a choice between smaller, more immediate reinforcer larger, delayed reinforcer. Impulsive behavior occurs when responding produces the immediate, relatively smaller reinforcers at expense of larger reinforcers. Self‐control Recently, researchers in applied analysis have suggested that evaluations impulsivity are relevant to socially important behaviors. Further, common behavioral treatments such as differential reinforcement may be influenced by variables...

We conducted descriptive observations of severe problem behavior for 2 individuals with autism to identify precursors behavior. Several comparative probability analyses were in addition lag-sequential using the data. Results showed that potential precursor was greater given compared unconditional precursor. a marked increase 1-s intervals immediately preceding an instance behavior, and highest following then separate functional respective operant functions. both served same These results...

Contingencies of reinforcement involve, in part, relations between behavior and subsequent environmental events. In this study we observed 11 individuals with developmental disabilities severe problems while they interacted their primary care providers simulated environments (hospital therapy rooms). We compared the probability obtaining attention, escape from instructional demands, or access to materials following instances problem background those However, focus our analysis was evaluation...

We evaluated problem behavior and appropriate using the matching equation with 4 individuals developmental disabilities. Descriptive observations were conducted during interactions between participants their primary care providers in either a clinical laboratory environment (3 participants) or participant's home (1 participant). Data recorded on potential reinforcers, behavior, behavior. After identifying reinforcers that maintained each by way of functional analysis, descriptive data...

Functional analyses of inappropriate mealtime behavior typically include conditions to determine if the contingent delivery attention, tangible items, or escape reinforce food refusal. In current investigation, descriptive were conducted for 25 children who had been admitted a program assessment and treatment refusal consequences commonly delivered during functional observed parent-conducted meals. The conditional probabilities following acceptance compared unconditional each event. Results...

We conducted reinforcer assessments for 3 boys with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately received either placebo or previously prescribed methylphenidate. Our purpose was to evaluate whether methylphenidate altered the relative reinforcing effectiveness various stimuli that are often used in classroom‐based behavioral treatment programs (e.g., activities, tangible items). Results showed clear differences some between when participants had compared placebo....

Using a procedure similar to the one described by Conger and Killeen (1974), we evaluated levels of attending for 25 college students who participated in either 20-min (n = 12) or 30-min 13) discussion on juvenile delinquency. Confederates delivered statements agreement (e.g., "I agree with that point") according independent variable-interval schedules. Pooled results were using three generalized formulations matching law, showed was more likely during first 5 min than last min. Individual...

This study evaluated how children who exhibited functionally equivalent problem and appropriate behavior allocate responding to experimentally arranged reinforcer rates. Relative rates were on concurrent variable‐interval schedules effects relative response interpreted using the generalized matching equation. Results showed that of approximated reinforcement. Finally, interventions for differential reinforcement alternative extinction procedures implemented increase decrease behavior....

Responding of 4 children was assessed under conditions in which (a) no programmed contingencies were arranged for target behavior, (b) responding produced tokens that could be exchanged a single highly preferred edible item, and (c) token variety items. After assessing the effects these contingencies, preferences 3 participants using concurrent-chains schedule. Preference opportunity to choose from same or qualitatively different items varied across participants, findings generally...

We examined the effects of delayed reinforcement on responding individuals with intellectual disabilities. Three conditions were evaluated: (a) food reinforcement, (b) token a postsession exchange opportunity, and (c) posttrial opportunity. Within each condition, we assessed given no‐reinforcement baseline, immediate in which responses produced reinforcer after 1 6 delays. Results suggest that greater response persistence than did tokens.

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase in the United States (Gordon‐Larsen, The, & Adair, 2010). Obesity can be attributed, part, overconsumption energy‐dense foods. Given that overeating plays a role development obesity, interventions teach individuals identify and consume appropriate portion sizes are warranted. Specifically, estimate correctly without use aids may critical success nutrition education programs. current study evaluated stimulus equivalence paradigm 9...

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is a commonly used technique for reduction, yet there has been little to no emphasis on the possible strengthening effects behavior. We included 2 responses (target and other) across 3 treatment schedules (DRO, extinction, fixed time [FT]) in human-operant procedure determine extent which reinforcer presentation at completion DRO interval could strengthen responding. A computer program arranged unsignaled changes contingencies target...

We conducted descriptive observations of 5 individuals with developmental disabilities and severe problem behavior while they interacted their caregivers in either simulated environments (an inpatient hospital facility) or homes. The focus the study was on caregiver reprimands child behavior. Thus, we compared frequency that immediately preceded a reprimand to following reprimand, results showed decreased reprimand. It is possible are negatively reinforced by momentary attenuation behavior,...

We evaluated behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities using progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. High- and low-preference stimuli were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference assessment in subsequent reinforcer PR assessments concurrent single schedules presentation. In Experiment 1, showed that for 2 3 participants, to be functioned as reinforcers when independent high-preference stimuli. Further, from also under gradually increasing...

Objective: Behavioral parent training has been proven effective through years of research with a variety groups. However, little conducted to systematically evaluate the extent which behavioral may improve parenting skills foster and other caregivers dependent children. The Behavior Analysis Services Program (BASP) charged providing parents children throughout state Florida services focusing primarily on group-class-based curriculum. This article examines was in increasing who were trained...

Meta‐analytic methods provide a way to synthesize data across treatment evaluation studies. However, these well‐accepted are infrequent with behavior analytic Multilevel models may be promising method meta‐analyze single‐case data. This technical article provides primer for how conduct multilevel model designs AB phases using from the differential‐reinforcement‐of‐low‐rate literature. We details, recommendations, and considerations searching appropriate studies, organizing data, conducting...

Using a procedure similar to the one described by Le and Smith (in press), we evaluated effects of protective equipment during functional analysis for 2 individuals who engaged in severe self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Results our analyses revealed that use SIB suppressed levels responding such behavioral function could not be identified.

Acquisition of verbal behavior is a major goal interventions for children with developmental disabilities. We evaluated the effectiveness manipulation an establishing operation functional discriminated mands. Four individuals disabilities participated in training procedure designed to teach two separate mands preferred items. Participants were taught mand using picture cards. Following training, was used assess and establish manding. This involved providing free access one items, such that...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants spend supervised time in the prone (tummy) position to foster motor development and prevent cranial deformities. However, may not tolerate position, consequently, caregivers avoid placing their position. AAP provide toys or interaction during tummy time. We evaluated individual combined effects a play mat experimenter on negative vocalizations head elevation time—positive were limited. Next, we parent‐led intervention wherein...

Using an arbitrary response, we evaluated fixed‐time (FT) schedules that were either similar or dissimilar to a baseline (response‐dependent) reinforcement schedule and extinction. Results suggested both FT extinction resulted in decreased responding. However, more effective reducing response rates if the reinforcer rate was rates. Possible reasons for this difference with data analysis methods designed identify adventitious response‐reinforcer relations.