Unit 4 Flashcards
Concurrent Schedule (Conc)
-2 or more schedules of reinforcement operate simultaneously but independently of one another, each for a different response
Critical Attributes of Concurrent Schedules
-2 or more reinforcement contingencies
-Contingencies operate independently
-Contingencies operate simultaneously
-One or more different response topographies for each contingency
E.g. Homework Vs. Video games,
-Screaming Vs. asking nicely
Origin of the Matching Law
- Hernstein (1961): Described the distribution of bx on concurrent schedules of positive Rx
- Pierce & Cheney (2017): “Pigeons matched relative rates of bx to relative rates of Rx”
Matching Law
- States that the distribution of responding on concurrent schedules is equal to the relative rate of reinforcement for each response
- Relative rates of responding in a concurrent schedule match the relative rates of Rx
- Concurrent schedules - choice
Matching Law and Bias
Sources of Bias:
- Indiscriminability
- Magnitude of Rx
- Quality
- Delay
- Response effort
- “External” consequences
In terms of the matching law, the maximum number of response types involved is two.
a. True
b. False
b. False
Which statement best describes the relationship between the matching law and concurrent schedules of reinforcement?
Matching law describes how the bx is distributed in concurrent schedules
Cnncurrent FI Schedules
Can result in regular patterns of switching btw responses
Concurrent Ratio Schedules (Con..t)
- Include FR and VR
- Often results in “exclusive” responding under the denser schedule
- Not commonly used in research
Concurrent VI Schedules (Con..t)
- Produces more irregular switching btw responses
- Good schedules for assessing choice
- VI schedules are common in the real world
What pattern of responding produces the most reinforcement in interval schedules?
-Alternating responses to the proportion of reinforcement available
Which reinforcement schedule types typically produce exclusive responding under concurrent schedule arrangements?
-FR-FR
How will a graphed line look when matching is close to “perfect”?
-Close to a slope of 1.0
Clinical Relevance of the Matching Law
- Every program, every plan, every assessment you will ever use with a client involves concurrent schedules
- Understanding the matching law allows you to better understand your client’s bx
Relevance to Treating Problem Behavior
-Even if prob bx is reinforced
…..The greater the difference in proportion of reinforcement for prob bx Vs. Rx for replacement bx, the greater the differences in rate btw the two
Extinction is Not Always Possible or Practical
- Social validity concerns
- Dangerous extinction bursts
- Physical management not possible
Every procedure that is used involves the use of ______ schedules.
-Concurrent
If extinction is not a viable option, which statement best describes the most important environmental change needed to produce behavior change?
-Maximum proportion of difference btw reinforcement for appropriate bx Vs. reinforcement for problem bx
Matching Law and Problem Bx before Treatment E.g.
-Ask appropriately for Ipad
-Asked 6 times
Got the Ipad 2 times
-Scream and hit for ipad
screamed 12 times
-Got the ipad 8 times
Which of the following describes the use of a concurrent schedule for treatment?
-Kamil identifies that yelling is maintained by access to a tablet & arranges for access after an average of 2 responses when he points & access after an avg of 8 responses after yelling
Jeremiah often asks for help with his math homework, but his caregivers say, “You have to try on your own.” Jeremiah often cries after working for 15 minutes. This usually results in immediate help from caregivers. In which case is the BCBA® using appropriate schedules, without the use of extinction?
The BCBA has caregivers provide help every time when Jeremiah asks, and after 5 responses when he starts to cry
Matching Law and Problem Behavior Treatment
- Extinction may not be necessary if:
- Reinforce replacement bx on a dense schedule
- Minimize reinforcement for problem bx
- Time-contingent schedules may be used
Conc Interval Vs. Conc Ratio Schedules in Treating Problem Bx
- When Bx needs to be fully replaced or eliminated, consider concurrent ratio schedules
- When behavior needs to be reduced but not eliminated, consider concurrent interval schedules
- If the goal is “Natural” variability consider VI/VI schedules
If a targeted behavior needs to be eliminated, it is recommended that a concurrent _____ schedule be used over a concurrent _____ schedule.
- Ratio
- Interval
If extinction is not implemented, programming should emphasize ______ reinforcement for the appropriate behavior than the problem behavior.
a. Thinner
b. Equal
c. Denser
c. Denser
The proportion of reinforcement for appropriate behavior vs. problem behavior should lean towards the appropriate behavior if extinction is not used. For example, a denser schedule (e.g., FR 1) should be used for appropriate responding and a thinner schedule (e.g., FR 12) should be used for problem behavior. If the schedule of reinforcement for the appropriate behavior is thinner or equal to the schedule of problem behavior, it might not displace the latter.
Variance in the Matching Law
- Can account for responding that doesn’t perfectly match with additional parameters
- Generalized matching equation (GME) (Baum 1974)
Two “Free Parameters” That influence Responding
- Bias
- y-intercept
- Above 0: Bias towards B1
- Below 0: Bias towards B2
- Sensitivity to reinforcement
- Slope
Sensitivity to Reinforcement
- Indicated by slope
- Undermatching
- Emitting too few responses for the schedule in place
- Over matching
- Emitting more responses than necessary for the schedule in place
- Steeper
Emitting more responses than the schedule indicates:
*Overmatching
Changes in bias are seen by a change in the:
-Y-Intercept
When graphing and analyzing matching behavior, sensitivity to reinforcement is indicated by the:
a. Variability
b. Slope
c. Y-Intercept
d. Level
b. Slope
Sensitivity to reinforcement is depicted in changes in the slope of the line. Undermatching yields a flatter slope, while overmatching produces a steeper slope. The y-intercept indicates bias. Variability and level are not used to analyze matching behavior.
Other Factors Influencing Response Allocation
- Response effort
- Reinforcement delay
- Quality of reinforcement
- Magnitude/ duration of reinforcement
- Concurrent punishment contingencies
Applications of Other Factors
- Select appropriate bx lower in effect than the prob bx
- Provide
Differential Reinforcement for Behavior Reduction
- Uniques in that it both increases & decreases bxs
- Flexible, constructive, functional
- Minimize reinforcement to the point necessary
- Sometimes extinction is best
- Sometimes lean is best
2 Types of Effects of Differential Reinforcement
- Differentiation
2. Discrimination
Differential Reinforcement Defined in the Experimental Literature
-Differential reinforcement consists of 2 operations: Reinforcement & extinction (not reinforcing)
General Differential Reinforcement Procedure 1 (con…t)
2 (or more) response topographies -One topography results in Rx -Another topography results in extinction R1 - Sr R2 - EXT -Leads to differentiation
An adult knocks on their neighbor’s door instead of pressing the broken doorbell. Is this differentiation or discrimination?
a. Differentiation
b. Discrimination
a. Differentiation
General Differential Reinforcement Procedure 2
- Discrimination occurs when differential reinforcement consists of reinforcing a response when certain stimuli are present and not reinforcing the same response when those stimuli are not present
- This is an S-R-S contingency
General Differential Reinforcement Procedure 2 (Con…t)
-One response topography & 2 (or more) stimuli
S1-R1-Sr
S2-R1-EXT
-Leads to discrimination
Discrimination occurs when:
“Differential reinforcement consists of reinforcing a response when certain stimuli are present, and not reinforcing the same response when those stimuli are not present”
Which is an e.g. of Discrimination?
Callie walks into her supervisor’s office when the office door is open. In the past her supervisor was available to talk when the door was open. She does not attempt to enter the office when the door is closed. In the past her supervisor was not available when the door was closed
Differential Reinforcement in the Applied Literature
- Consists of reinforcing 1 or more responses while either minimizing reinforcement for other responses, using extinction on those other responses, or using punishment for those other responses
- Even FCT is considered a differential Rx procedure by many
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)
-A schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered whenever a specified amount of time has elapsed during which a specified bx does not occur
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) con..t
-Any response maybe occurring at the end of time interval except the target bx
-Also known as:
Differential rx of response omission
DR0 for differential rx of 0 rates of responding
DRO Use
- Are used to decrease rate of problem bx
- Also, at times, have the effect of increasing the frequency of competing bxs
DRO Procedure
- 1 bx is selected that is never reinforced
- Any other bx that occurs within the situational context is reinforced
- But a dead person can meet the DRO criteria!
- But a dead person can meet the DRO criteria!
- Good being quiet, good being still, good being dead!
A DRO procedure is defined as a schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered whenever a specified amount of time has elapsed during which a specified behavior does not occur
a. True
b. False
a True
Setting the DRO Interval
- Cooper et al. (2020) recommend that the initial DRO interval be set at, or slightly below, the Avg baseline IRT
- Others recommend that the initial DRO interval be set at 50% to 80% of the average baseline IRT
Setting the DRO Interval: Procedure
- Given avg baseline rate, estimate the IRT
- Multiple estimated IRT times .5 and times .8
- Select the initial interval
- Increase the interval depending on changes in IRT but consider increasing amount or magnitude
Setting the DRO interval: E.g.
- If the problem bx occurs 120 times per hr do the following:
- 3600 sec/120 = 30 sec (est BL IRT)
- Get suggested DRO interval btw 50% & 80%
- 30 x .5 = 15 sec (50%)
- 30 x .8 = 24 sec (80%)
- Criterion btw 15 & 24 sec
After identifying the baseline IRT, criteria should be set _____ this baseline.
a. Below
b. Above
a. Below
A given problem behavior occurs 15 times per 45-minute class. Which DRO interval would be most appropriate in this situation?
a. 190 sec
b. 180 sec
c. 185 sec
d. 160 sec
45 min class time equals 2700 sec (45 min x 60 sec/min) we then divided 2700 by the count of bx 15, which = 180 sec. The initial initial interval needs to be set below the BL rate, which leads us to 160 sec. Other possible interval may be 170, 150, 155 sec anything at or above 180 sec would not be appropriate cuz bx would be likely to occur b4 the set interval has elapsed
After determing the average baseline rate of occurrence, the next step in a DRO procedure is slowly to increase the chosen interval.
a. True
b. False
a. False
DRO Schedules Types
- Interval DRO procedure
- Momentary DRO
- DRO-P or Progressive DRO
Interval DRO
- Rx is delivered at the end of the interval, contingent on 0 occurrences of the target prob bx during the entire interval
- Typically if the target bx occurs at any time during the interval the time interval is reset
- Fixed interval (FI-DRO)
- Variable interval (vi-dro)
Resetting DRO Intervals
- In a resetting DRO, the interval starts over when the target response occurs
- In a non-setting DRO, the current interval must elapse b4 a new interval with opportunity for reinforcement begins
- Both are effective (Gehrman et al., 2017)
During a 5-minute DRO interval, spitting occurred after 3 minutes. The BCBA stops the timer and starts it from the beginning. Which type of DRO is this?
-Fixed-Interval DRO
Momentary DRO
- Reinforcement is delivered at the end of the interval contingent on the absence of the target bx at the moment in time
- Fixed (FM-DRO)
- Variable (VM-DRO)
Momentary DRO vs. Time-Based
- “Noncontingent Rx” (NCR) is better defined as time-based schedules
- NCR maybe as effective as momentary DRO
- Both disrupt the response-reinforcer contingency
Describe how momentary DRO differs from interval DRO:
“When using momentary DRO the implementer observes at the end of an interval and delivers the preferred stimulus if the target response is not occurring. Interval DRO requires continuous observation throughout the interval”
Progressive DRO (DRO-P)
- Same as an interval DRO except ….
- Progressively greater amounts or magnitude, of rx delivered for successive intervals meeting the criterion
- “Drops” back to initial reinforcer amount contingent upon occurrence of Target bx
Jennifer is using a DRO-P with her client at a work site. The client is making good progress and met criteria for the second consecutive interval. What should be the next step?
a. Decrease criteria
b. Increase reinforcement
b. Increase reinforcement
In a DRO-P procedure, progressively greater amounts, or magnitude, of reinforcement is delivered for successive intervals meeting the criteria. In this case, reinforcement is increased because Jennifer’s client has met the criteria for multiple intervals in a row. If the procedure is successful, there is no need to manipulate the criteria. Decreasing reinforcement is likely to make the procedure less effective.
In a progressive DRO, how is magnitude of reinforcement changed over time?
Magnitude is increased
Is DRO Really a Rx schedule?
- Processes behind DRO:
- Positive Rx
- Extinction
- Adventitious Rx
- Negative punishment
DRO Processes:
Positive Reinforcement
-DROs involve delivery of appetitive
Looks like + Rx!
*But this isn’t contingent on a specific response
-“Not doing something” isn’t a Bx”!
DRO Processes: Extinction
-DROs disrupt contingency btw response & Rx
-Esp if the stimulus delivered is functionally equivalent
-Likely a significant part of how DROs work
But some DROs have been effective without extinction at all!
Positive reinforcement as an underlying mechanism of DRO is problematic because:
-DRO is a behavior reduction procedure
DRO Processes:
Adventitious Reinforcement
- Defined as a stimulus that reinforces a response due to temporal relations alone
- “Accidental” reinforcement without an actual contingency
- DROs create opportunities for adventitious reinforcement of nontarget responses
- Mixed results in the literature
DRO Processes: Negative Punishment
- The DRO operates like the punishment equivalent of avoidance
- The appetitive occurs unless the response occurs
- Response prevents reinforcer, thus is negatively punishing
- Similarities to CMO-R promise
DRO Processes: Implications
- DROs are decelerative
- Not constructive like DRA, FCT
- Benefit from being combined with positive-reinforcement-based procedures
In a DRO, a targeted response prevents delivery of an appetitive stimulus. This functions similarly to:
-Negative punishment
Combining DRO procedures with positive reinforcement may increase its efficacy.
a. True
b. False
a. True
DROs create the potential for ______ reinforcement, where other, undesirable behaviors may accidentally contact reinforcement.
-Adventitious
DRO: Mistake 1
Solutions to Mistake 1
- Use for high-rate bx (several times per min or per hr) & when appropriate bx occurs at a low rate
- Switch to DRA after DRO has been thinned from sec to min
DROs should primarily be used for behaviors that occur at low rates.
a. True
b. False
b. False
DRO procedures should be used for high-rate behavior (i.e., behavior that occurs several times per minute or hour), and when appropriate behavior occurs at low rates. Since appropriate behavior occurs at very low rates, it becomes difficult for staff to deliver reinforcement accordingly.
When thinning a DRO schedule, it is recommended also to switch from a DRO to a:
DRA
DRO: Mistake 2
*Setting the DRO interval above the average IRT
Setting the DRO interval above the average IRT can be problematic because:
-The learner may not contact the appetitive
DRO: Mistake 3 and Solution
- Failing to reset the timer when the problem bx occurs (interval DRO)
- Interval could extend beyond baseline avg IRT
- Solution: Reset the timer
DRO: Mistake 4
-Inconsistent criterion for target bx & adding extra criteria
Solutions to Mistake 4
- Sticks to the criterion or
- Consider switching to a different procedure
When deciding whether an interval DRO procedure should include a resetting timer, the practitioner’s main concern should be:
The avg IRT of the response and likelihood of meeting criteria
It is recommended to change criteria for the target behavior in the middle of an interval DRO if behavior is improving.
a. True
b. False
b. False
DRO: Mistake 5
- The other side of mistake 4
- Inadvertently reinforcing other problem bx
- The story of the Boy Who kicked another boy and got chocolate
Solution to Mistake 5
- When using DRO, ensure that a new prob bx is not strengthened
- Consider the danger that another, inappropriate bx will be reinforced
- Reconsider the criterion for reinforcement
- Consider switching to a different procedure
DRO: Mistake 6
- Reinforcing “dead person’s” bx
- DRO fails Ogden Lindsley’s dead man test
- “Be quiet, be still, be docile..”
Solution to Mistake 6
- When using DRO, take care not just to reinforce docile bx
- Consider using DRO in combination with DRA or DRI
A reinforcer should always be delivered at the end of a DRO interval even if severe problem behavior occurs that is not part of the criterion.
A. True
B. False
b. False
DRO: Mistake 7
- Failing to select a reinforcer that competes successfully with the maintaining consequences
- E.g. Johnny slaps and gets juice
Solutions to Mistake 7
- Conduct a formal stimulus preference assessment repeat on a regular basis
- Use abolishing operations and/or eliminate the EO for the prob bx
DRO: Mistake 8
*Failing to use extinction when the prob bx occurs
-E.g.
Withholding planned r when the bx occurs
But, providing attention for attention-maintained bx when the prob bx occurs
Extinction component
Although some studies have shown an extinction component is not necessary when using a DRO, the general recommendation is to include an extinction component.
Solutions to Mistake 8
- Always withhold reinforcement when the prob Bx occurs
* Do Not use a DRO if you cannot be consistent in using Extinction in combination with the DRO!
The reinforcer selected for a DRO procedure should be one that ______ successfully with the consequence maintaining problem behavior.
-Competes
DRO: Mistake 9
- Using the same reinforcer each time the criterion is met to the point of satiation
- E.g. too much chocolate
Solution to Mistake 9
-Vary the reinforcers
DRO: Take-Home Points
- DRO schedules do not directly contact the Bx to be reduced nor the Functional relations likely to be operating
- Therefore, this procedure should be used with caution & typically in combo with other, more direct procedures
DRO: Take-Home Points (Con…t)
- DROs are overused & misused
- Give careful consideration b4 selecting them as the procedure of choice
- Combine, when possible with DRA or DRI
When delivering a reinforcer during a DRO procedure, practitioners should
-Vary the reinforcers
Which of the following statements is true about DROs?
- DRO procedures are best used with bx that occurs at high rates
- Precautions should be taken to avoid inadvertently reinforcing other forms of prob bx
Common DRO Applications
- Tolerating medical exams or procedures (dental cleanings, blood draws)
- Health/ Hygiene routines not yet performed independently (nail clipping, cleaning an abrasion)
DRO and DNRO
- :Tolerance” training often relies on DNRO (differential negative Rx)
- Can combine with delivery of an appetitive stimulus (DRO) to improve effectiveness
- Combine with antecedent strategies as well (env enrichment, altering demands)
Ethics of “Tolerance Training”
- Only if absolutely necessary
- Closely examine the Social validity of the goal & procedure
- Teach a skill if possible (clipping own nails Vs. “tolerating” someone else doing it)
The term commonly associated with DNRO is:
-Tolerance training
The underlying mechanism that makes tolerance training effective is the use of a DNRO procedure that negatively reinforces the absence of behavior. The individual is taught to tolerate potentially aversive situations by being provided contingent escape. Docility and obedience training are not described as terms commonly associated with DNRO.
In which situations would the use of tolerance training likely be most acceptable?
- Remaining still for a dental cleaning
- Accepting a medical examination
Of the following, which are considerations for using tolerance training?
(check all that apply)
- Use only if absolutely necessary
- Social validity of goals/ procedures
- Teach skills if possible
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)
*A schedule of reinforcement in which Rx is delivered whenever a response occurs that is physically incompatible with the Target Bx
Incompatible Response
-A response that cannot occur concurrently with the target Bx
DRI e.gs
A student cannot concurrently sit properly & run around the classroom
-A student cannot concurrently have her arms to her side & pull the teacher’s hair
DRI Use & Procedure
- Used to decrease the target inappropriate Bx while concurrently increasing incompatible Bx
- The target inappropriate bx is not reinforced
In a DRI, reinforcement is delivered:
-Contingent on a specified response that is incompatible with the response targeted for reduction
A client has been pinching staff and other clients with their fingernails, which results in attention. What would be the most appropriate incompatible response?
Folding hands
Basilio is working with a client to reduce their scratching behavior. Basilio delivers an appetitive for every 45 seconds that his client does not scratch. What is the schedule being described?
-DRO
Denisa is using a behavioral procedure to reduce the amount of time she is away from her desk. She gets a reinforcer any time that she is sitting at her desk. What is the schedule being described?
-DRI
Thindra wants to reduce her client’s attention-maintained screaming behavior. She provides reinforcement in the form of praise whenever her client taps her on the shoulder. What is the schedule being described?
-Neither of these
Setting Incompatible Targets
- Incompatible targets still need to be Bxs!
- “Sitting while taking Notes”
- “Walks towards the teacher with arms at their sides”
DRI: Mistake 1
- Selecting the wrong incompatible Bx
- E.G. dEAD PERSON’S bX
Solutions to Mistake 1
- Consider in DRI:
- Is the incompatible bx in the repertoire?
- Can incompatible bx occur concurrently with prob bx?
- Will incompatible Bx effectively complete with prob bx?
DRI: Mistake 7 & Solution
-Selecting a non-bx as the incompatible response
E.g. Addressing “noncompliance”
*Possible solution: Consider a DRA and/ or DRO instead
The incompatible response in a DRI procedure should be one that is not in the client’s current behavioral repertoire.
-False
The incompatible response in a DRI procedure should be one that is in the client’s current behavioral repertoire.
The reinforcer selected for a DRI procedure should:
-Compete with maintaining consequences
Lana has a client who will often scream loudly when she is thirsty. Lana runs a DRI procedure that has her client remain silent to get some water. What mistake did Lana make?
-Selected the wrong incompatible Bx
DRI: Mistake 7 & Solution
-Selecting a non-Bx as the incompatible response
-E.g. Addressing “noncompliance”
-Possible solution:
Consider a DRA &/ or DRO instead
Which of the following is NOT an example of a mistake associated with DRI schedules?
*Reinforcing the target incompatible Bx with the maintaining consequence
The 7 Mistakes which can occur in a DRU schedule Are
- Choosing a non-Bx or an ineffective incompatible Bx
- Choosing a Rx that doesn’t compete successfully with the maintaining consequences of the target bx
- Choosing a Rx schedule that is initially too lean/ doesn’t effectively Rx the incompatible response
- Failing to place the target bx on extinction
- Inadvertently Rx a chain of inappropriate bx that occurs b4 the incompatible response
- Rx the incompatible Bx but failing to identify & rx functionally equivalent alternative Bx &
- Selecting a non-bx like sitting still as the incompatible bx with the maintaining consequence
Of the following DRI procedures, which made the mistake of selecting a non-behavior as a response?
-DRI that Rx sitting still & puts running on Extinction
DRI: Mistake 2
*Failing to select a reinforcer that successfully competes with the maintaining consequences
Solutions to Mistake 2
- Conduct a formal stimulus preference assessment; repeat on a regular basis
- Use abolishing operations &/ or eliminate the EO for the problem Bx
DRI: Mistake 3
-Selecting the wrong Rx schedule for the DRI procedure
The incompatible behavior in a DRI procedure should initially be reinforced on a(n):
-FR 1 schedule
Based on the scenario, what should Dennis do to fix the mistake?
-Initially reinforce the incompatible response each time it occurs
DRI: Mistake 3
-Selecting the wrong reinforcement schedule for the DRI procedure
Solution to Mistake 3
- Initially reinforce the incompatible Bx every time it occurs
- Then, gradually thin the schedule to a variable interval schedule (usually)
DRI: Mistake 4
*Failing to place the target prob Bx on extinction
Solution to Mistake 4
- Place the target prob Bx on Extinction
- Remember Differential Rx consists of 2 operations
DRI: Mistake 5
*Inadvertently reinforcing a chain of prob Bx before incompatible Bx
Solution to Mistake 5
- Consider using a chained DRO-DRI
- Ensure no prob Bx occurs immediately b4 prompting the incompatible response
DRI: Mistake 6 & Solution
*Reinforcing incompatible Bx but failing to reinforce alternative Bx
-Possible Solutions:
Consider using DRI in combination with DRA &/ or using a chained DRI-DRA
During a DRI, inadvertent reinforcement of a chain of problem behavior can occur when:
*An incompatible response is prompted & reinforced following the occurrence of problem Bx
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative BX (DRA)
A schedule of reinforcement in which Rx is delivered whenever a response occurs that may compete with the target Bx
Contingencies Arranged in a DRA
- For target inappropriate Bx:
- Extinction
- Lower magnitude Rx
- Leaner Rx schedule
- Punishment
- The alternative Bxs to increase:
- Usually functionally equivalent to the target inappropriate Bx
DRA Effects
Decreasing the Target inappropriate Bx while concurrently increasing an alternative Bx
Select all potential consequences for inappropriate behavior in a DRA schedule:
- Extinction
- Lower magnitude reinforcement
- Punishment
- Leaner reinforcement schedule
A reinforcer is delivered once every 2 minutes contingent on the absence of inappropriate behavior. What type of DR schedule is this?
-DRO
A response that is functionally equivalent but not incompatible to an inappropriate behavior is reinforced. What type of DR schedule is this?
-DRA
DRA: Mistake 1
- Selecting the wrong alternative Bx
e. g. - Not functionally equivalent
- Not in the client’s repertoire
- Higher effort
- Topographically similar
Solutions to Mistake 1
- Select an alternative Bx that is in the repertoire
- Ensure the alternative Bc acts as a functionally equivalent Bc
- Select topographically dissimilar alternative bx
- Select response that is lower in effort
- DRA and FCT
A BCBA is running a DRA with a client who can reliably reach for and grasp items but has few vocal utterances. The BCBA wants the client vocally to request items they want instead of engaging in aggression, which has resulted in access to items in the past. What is wrong with the alternative behavior selected?
It is not in the client’s current behavioral repertoire
DRA: Mistake 2
- Failing to select a reinforcer that successfully competes against the maintaining consequences
e. g. getting attention instead of a toy
Solutions to Mistake 2
- Construct a formal stimulus preference assessment; repeat on a regular basis
- Use abolishing operations &/ or eliminate the EO for the problem Bx
- Select a functionally equivalent Bx
Solutions to Mistake 3
- Initially, reinforce the alternative Bx every time it occurs
- Then, gradually thin the schedule, usually to a variable interval schedule
DRA: Mistake 4
- Inadvertently reinforcing a chain of problem bx before alternative bx
e. g. slap then ask for juice
Solutions to Mistake 4
*Consider using a chained DRO-DRA, a chained DRI-DRA or even a chained DRO-DRI-DRA
In the past, Amaro’s scratching behavior has resulted in access to his tablet that he uses to watch videos. His BCBA taught him a mand for access to the tablet. To avoid satiation, she initially programmed a VR 3 schedule, but the frequency of mands gradually decreased over time. What mistake did Amaro’s BCBA make?
-Selected the wrong reinforcement schedule
Based on the scenario, what should Amaro’s BCBA do to fix their mistake?
-Initially reinforce each time Amaro mands for the tablet
Functional Communication Training
FCT
- Teaching mand as an alternative to prob bx e.g. Carr and Durans
- Effective across a range of populations, response modalities and functions
FCT vs. DRA
- FCT maybe conceptualized as a sub-type of DRA
- Both FCT and DRA teach & reinforce an alternate response
- Both FCT & DRA but problem bx on extinction
- FCT specifically involves VB, while DRA can be a wider range of responses
FCT Response Selection
- Specific Mand
- Mand identifies particular reinforcer
- Omnibus Mand
- Mand solicits socially mediated reinforcement, but not a specific one
- Generalized Mand
Functional communication training (FCT) is a subtype of:
-DRA procedure
Reducing Responding to Zero Rates
- Differential reinforcement of other Bx (DRO)
- Differential reinforcement of incompatible bx (DRI)
- Differential Rx of alternative bx (DRA)
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL)
*Schedule in which reinforcement is provided only if the response rate is equal to or lower than a specified criterion
Setting the DRL Criterion
*The criterion for Rx is set btw the Avg BL rate & the lowest rate during BL; usually just slightly below the Avg BL rates
In a DRL procedure, the criterion for reinforcement is set at a point that is slightly below the baseline average.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Types of DRL Schedules
- Interval DRL
- Full-session DRL
- Spaced responding DRL or DRL-T
Interval DRL
- The session is broken into a series of smaller, = time intervals
- Rx is provided at the end of each interval if the target response occurred at or below the criterion in that interval
- E.g. A 1-hr class broken into 15 min segments
Full-Session DRL
-Reinforcement is delivered at the end of the session if the target response occurred at or below the criterion
E.g. Good bx game
Spaced Responding DRL or DRL-T
-Reinforcement is delivered, provided that some minimum amount of time has elapsed since the last response
Setting the DRL Criterion
- In a DRL-T responses are reinforced only if they are emitted after a specified amount of time has elapsed since the last response
- The criterion for reinforcement is set at a time above the Avg IRT
Is DRL Really a Rx Schedule?
Some say that DRL-T is not really a Rx-based procedure but a neg punishment procedure
DRL: Mistake 1
-Using DRLs for serious Bx
DRL: Mistake 2
*Using full-session or interval DRL with naiive learners
Solutions to Mistake 2
-Consider Using DRL-T
-Use only with learners who have:
Fairly good language skills and who are under the control of rules
-Consider using a contingency contract instead; do not even call it a “DRL”
Marcello wants to reduce the amount of times his client bangs their head on hard surfaces. Through an interval DRL-T procedure, Marcello sets the criterion to be at or below two instances of head banging per minute. What mistake did Marcello make?
-He is using DRL-T for a severe behavior
What should Marcello do to fix his mistake?
-Consider other DR procedures like DRO, DRA OR DRI
Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates of Responding (DRD)
-Schedule in which reinforcement is provided only if the response rate is = or lower than a specified criterion that is gradually decreased across time
Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding (DRP)
-AKA DR of pacing
-Combines a DRL with a DRH component
-Consists of reinforcing Bx if:
It occurs at no more than & no less than a specified rate
Or alternatively at no lower than & no higher than a specified IRT
DRP: Setting the Criterion
- The reinforcement criterion is set at a specific rate btw the minimum & the max rate
- Or upper & lower limits on reinforced IRTs are set (aka DRL-T with limited hold)
Differential Reinforcement of High Rates of Responding (DRH)
-Schedule in which reinforcement is provided only if the response rate is equal to or higher than a specified criterion
DRH schedules require that a minimum number of responses occur in a given time period
DRH Use
- Can increase bxs already in repertoire
- Can be the “Next step” after FCT, DRA or DRI
