ABSTRACT
A common finding in previous research is that problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement continues to occur in the alone condition of a functional analysis (FA), whereas behavior maintained by social reinforcement typically is extinguished. Thus, the alone condition may represent an efficient screening procedure when maintenance by automatic reinforcement is suspected. We conducted a series of 5-min alone (or no-interaction) probes for 30 cases of problem behavior and compared initial predictions of maintenance or extinction to outcomes obtained in subsequent FAs. Results indicated that data from the screening procedure accurately predicted that problem behavior was maintained by automatic reinforcement in 21 of 22 cases and by social reinforcement in 7 of 8 cases. Thus, results of the screening accurately predicted the function of problem behavior (social vs. automatic reinforcement) in 28 of 30 cases.
Subject(s)
Behavior Therapy/methods , Behavioral Symptoms/therapy , Extinction, Psychological/physiology , Reinforcement, Psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Attention , Behavioral Symptoms/physiopathology , Behavioral Symptoms/psychology , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Play and Playthings , Reinforcement Schedule , Reproducibility of Results , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
We conducted 2 studies on reinforcer preference in patients with dementia. Results of preference assessments yielded differential selections by 14 participants. Unlike prior studies with individuals with intellectual disabilities, all participants showed a noticeable preference for leisure items over edible items. Results of a subsequent analysis with 3 participants showed reinforcement effects when highly preferred items were delivered as consequences.
