Ch 5 Flashcards
Punishment
The occurrence of a behavior is followed immediately by a consequence, and as a result the behavior is less likely to occur in the future
Considerations:
Cannot define punishment by whether the consequence appears unfavorable, unpleasant, or aversive
Positive Punishment
Behavior —> Presentation of aversive stimulus (+) = Behavior less likely in future
Negative Punishment
Behavior —> Removal of Reinforcing Stimulus (-) = Behavior less likely in future
Punisher
(aversive stimulus) is a consequence that makes a behavior less likely to occur
Unconditioned Punisher (UP)
Some events are naturally punishing
- No learning
- Survival Value
Conditioned Punisher (CP)
Function as a punisher after being paired with UP or other conditioned punisher
- Generalized Conditioned Punisher: paired with variety of other UP and CP’s
Immediacy
Maximum suppression effects obtained when punishment occurs immediately after the target behavior
Intensity
More intense punishment can reduce the likelihood of target behavior to zero
Schedule & Contingency
Most effective if punishment occurs every time
Factors that Influence Punishment
Motivating Operations
Establishing Operations (EO): Makes a consequence more effective as a punisher
Abolishing Operations (AO): Makes a consequence less effective as a punisher
Negative Punishment
- Deprivation makes loss of reinforcer more effective (EO)
- Satiation makes the loss of a reinforcer less effectives as a punisher (AO)
Positive Punishment
- Event or condition that enhances the aversiveness of a stimulus is more effective punisher (EO)
- Event that minimizes the aversiveness of a stimulus is a less effective punisher
Positive Punishment Intervention
Individual Differences
Reprimands - verbal reprimands following the occurrence of misbehavior
Response Blocking- physically intervening as soon as the person begins to emit problem behavior
Response Interruption & Redirection: Interrupting behavior as its onset & redirection to complete high probability behavior
Contingent Exercise: Required to perform response that is not topographically related to problem behavior
Overcorrection: required to engage in in effortful behavior that is directly or logically related to problem behavior
Restitution overcorrection: return environment to original state
Positive Practice: Learner has to repeatedly perform a correct form of the behavior (specific # of times or time frame)
Negative Punishment Interventions: Time Out
Time-out (from positive punishment)
Def- The loss of access to positive reinforcers for a brief period contingent on problem behavior (results in decrease of behavior)
Two types:
- Non-exclusionary time-out
- Exclusionary time-out
Time-out should also include reinforcement procedures
- Reinforcement for alternative/other behaviors
Procedure
- Get close to child, tell child to go to time-out area while pointing in that direction (provide physical guidance if child does not comply)
- Ignore problem behavior occurring during time out
- Timer can be used to signal start/end of timeout
Considerations
Is timeout appropriate for the behavior?
- Any behavior maintained by escape or by sensory stimulation
Is timeout practical?
- Is there an appropriate area or room?
- Child should not be unattended
Negative Punishment Interventions: Response Cost
Def- The removal of a specific amount of reinforcer contingent on the occurrence of a problem behavior
- Negative punishment procedure if it results in a decrease in likelihood of behavior
- This can be applied of reinforcers
- Tokens, snacks, access to activity
Response cost intervention needs to include reinforcement
- Reinforce desirable/alternative behavior
- Reinforce absence of problem behavior
Problems with Punishment
- Punishment may elicit aggression or other emotional side affects
May result in escape or avoidance behaviors
- Inappropriate escape and avoidance behaviors may develop
- Individual that implementing the punishment may find it negatively reinforcing (overuse of punishment)
- Punishment procedures can be models for observers or for individuals receiving the punishment
