Decreasing Behavior

Question 1

Define problem behaviors

Answer 1

behaviors that need to be decreased because they interfere with safety, learning, or overall well-being

Question 2

what is the context of problem behaviors

Answer 2

problem behavior is not inherently “bad” but is considered problematic in certain circumstances

Question 3

when are behaviors decreased

Answer 3

1. Safety interference: behaviors that cause harm to individuals or others
2. Learning Interference: behaviors that disrupt learning but don’t pose direct harm

Question 4

what are behavioral functions

Answer 4

1. People engage in behaviors because they serve a purpose
2. Escape: to avoid or escape situations
3. Gain: to acquire something

Question 5

what is sensory stimulation?

Answer 5

some behaviors are done for internal satisfaction, though harder to confirm

Question 6

What are environment triggers?

Answer 6

Factors in the environment may provoke problem behavior

Question 7

what are motivating operations (MO)?

Answer 7

factors that influence the effectiveness of reinforcement and the likelihood of behavior

Question 8

what is differential reinforcement?

Answer 8

use reinforcement for desired behavior while withholding it for problem behaviors

Question 9

what is differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior (DRL) used?

Answer 9

used for behaviors that are acceptable but should occur less frequently

Question 10

what is differential reinforcement of high rates of behavior (DRH) used?

Answer 10

encourages behaviors to occur at a higher rate by reducing the time between successive occurrences

Question 11

what is extinction?

Answer 11

stopping reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior to decrease its occurrence

Question 12

what are the methods of extinction?

Answer 12

1. Withhold reinforcement: ignore the behavior
2. Deny access: Don’t allow access to preferred items or activities
3. Prevent escape: Don’t allow avoidance of tasks
4. No sensory feedback: preventing reinforcement through sensory means

Question 13

when is extinction used?

Answer 13

1. Disruptive to others
2. Used to avoid tasks or directions
3. Provide sensory feedback
4. Used to gain attention, items, or activities

Question 14

what is extinction of behavior maintained by positive reinforcement?

Answer 14

1. Reducing problem behavior by removing the reinforcer that is maintaining it
2. challenges: the reinforcer must be identified and consistently moved; if it’s attention-based, it may be difficult if others in the environment are not consistent

Question 15

What is the extinction of behavior maintained by negative reinforcement?

Answer 15

1. Escape extinction: denying the opportunity to escape an aversive situation
2. Steps: prompt the individual to engage with the aversive task - ignore tantrum behaviors while ensuring safety - Avoid providing attention or eye contact during tantrums

Question 16

What is extinction of behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement?

Answer 16

1. Behavior reinforced by internal sensory feedback
2. Intervention: Block the behavior by removing access to their sensory stimulus

Question 17

what are extinction bursts?

Answer 17

behavior may intensify or increase in frequency before it decreases

Question 18

what is spontaneous recovery?

Answer 18

Previously extinguished behavior may randomly reappear

Question 19

what is complementing extinction with reinforcement?

Answer 19

reinforce appropriate behavior to replace the problematic behavior

Question 20

when is extinction not used?

Answer 20

1. Inconsistent environments
2. Risk of harm

Question 21

what are the ethical considerations of extinction

Answer 21

1. Informed consent
2. Safety
3. Consistency