ABSTRACT
We evaluated problem behavior exhibited by 6 individuals with developmental disabilities using the behavioral economic conceptualization of unit price. Descriptive observations were conducted during interactions between the participants and their primary care providers in a clinical laboratory, the participants' homes, or school. Data were recorded on potential reinforcers and problem behavior. After identifying reinforcers for each participant's problem behavior by way of functional analysis, the descriptive data were analyzed retrospectively, using the cost-benefit ratio described by the concept of unit price. Results showed that demand was elastic and produced monotonic response output curves. The results represent an extension of the concept of unit price to severe problem behavior under naturally occurring environmental conditions.
Subject(s)
Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/therapy , Token Economy , Adult , Child , Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Observer Variation , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
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 a 20-min (n = 12) or 30-min (n = 13) discussion on juvenile delinquency. Confederates delivered statements of agreement (e.g., "I agree with that point") according to independent variable-interval schedules. Pooled results were evaluated using three generalized formulations of the matching law, and showed that matching was more likely during the first 5 min of the discussion than during the last 5 min. Individual data for 7 of 9 participants were better described by the generalized response-rate matching equation than by the generalized time-allocation matching equation when response allocation was characterized in terms of frequency rather than duration.
