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Muharib R, Alrasheed F, Ninci J, Walker VL, Voggt AP. Thinning Schedules of Reinforcement Following Functional Communication Training for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-analytic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4788-4806. [PMID: 31456100 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based practice used to mitigate challenging behavior by increasing functional communication skills. To increase the practicality and feasibility of FCT in natural settings, thinning schedules of reinforcement are typically programmed following FCT. In this review, we meta-analyzed 28 studies that incorporated a thinning schedule procedure following FCT for 51 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 8 and younger. Using Tau-U, the results demonstrated overall moderate effect sizes for both challenging behavior and functional communication responses. Additionally, moderator analyses pertaining to participant characteristics, interventions, and study quality were conducted. Thinning procedures were most effective for children who had stronger communication repertoire. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Muharib
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Ashley P Voggt
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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2
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Saini V, Fisher WW, Pisman MD. Persistence during and resurgence following noncontingent reinforcement implemented with and without extinction. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:377-392. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valdeep Saini
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Wayne W. Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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3
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Greer BD, Fisher WW. Treatment of Socially Reinforced Problem Behavior. HANDBOOK OF TREATMENTS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61738-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Richman DM, Barnard-Brak L, Grubb L, Bosch A, Abby L. Meta-analysis of noncontingent reinforcement effects on problem behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:131-52. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Heath AK, Ganz JB, Parker R, Burke M, Ninci J. A Meta-analytic Review of Functional Communication Training Across Mode of Communication, Age, and Disability. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-014-0044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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Sweeney MM, Moore K, Shahan TA, Ahearn WH, Dube WV, Nevin JA. Modeling the effects of sensory reinforcers on behavioral persistence with alternative reinforcement. J Exp Anal Behav 2014; 102:252-66. [PMID: 25130416 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Problem behavior often has sensory consequences that cannot be separated from the target response, even if external, social reinforcers are removed during treatment. Because sensory reinforcers that accompany socially mediated problem behavior may contribute to persistence and relapse, research must develop analog sensory reinforcers that can be experimentally manipulated. In this research, we devised analogs to sensory reinforcers in order to control for their presence and determine how sensory reinforcers may impact treatment efficacy. Experiments 1 and 2 compared the efficacy of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) versus noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with and without analog sensory reinforcers in a multiple schedule. Experiment 1 measured the persistence of key pecking in pigeons, whereas Experiment 2 measured the persistence of touchscreen responses in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across both experiments, the presence of analog sensory reinforcers increased the levels, persistence, and variability of responding relative to when analog sensory reinforcers were absent. Also in both experiments, target responding was less persistent under conditions of DRA compared to NCR regardless of the presence or absence of analog sensory reinforcers.
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Luczynski KC, Hanley GP. How should periods without social interaction be scheduled? Children's preference for practical schedules of positive reinforcement. J Appl Behav Anal 2014; 47:500-22. [PMID: 24890928 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that children prefer contingent reinforcement (CR) rather than yoked noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) when continuous reinforcement is programmed in the CR schedule. Preference has not, however, been evaluated for practical schedules that involve CR. In Study 1, we assessed 5 children's preference for obtaining social interaction via a multiple schedule (periods of fixed-ratio 1 reinforcement alternating with periods of extinction), a briefly signaled delayed reinforcement schedule, and an NCR schedule. The multiple schedule promoted the most efficient level of responding. In general, children chose to experience the multiple schedule and avoided the delay and NCR schedules, indicating that they preferred multiple schedules as the means to arrange practical schedules of social interaction. In Study 2, we evaluated potential controlling variables that influenced 1 child's preference for the multiple schedule and found that the strong positive contingency was the primary variable.
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Hanley GP, Jin CS, Vanselow NR, Hanratty LA. Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatments. J Appl Behav Anal 2014; 47:16-36. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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McGill P. ESTABLISHING OPERATIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR. J Appl Behav Anal 2013. [DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1999.32-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kurtz PF, Boelter EW, Jarmolowicz DP, Chin MD, Hagopian LP. An analysis of functional communication training as an empirically supported treatment for problem behavior displayed by individuals with intellectual disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:2935-42. [PMID: 21696917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the literature on the use of functional communication training (FCT) as a treatment for problem behavior displayed by individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Criteria for empirically supported treatments developed by Divisions 12 and 16 of the American Psychological Association (Kratochwill & Stoiber, 2002; Task Force, 1995) and adapted by Jennett and Hagopian (2008) for evaluation of single-case research studies were used to examine the support for FCT. Results indicated that FCT far exceeds criteria to be designated as a well-established treatment for problem behavior exhibited by children with ID and children with autism spectrum disorder, and can be characterized as probably efficacious with adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Kurtz
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
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Kuhn DE, Chirighin AE, Zelenka K. Discriminated functional communication: a procedural extension of functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2011; 43:249-64. [PMID: 21119898 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A limitation associated with communication-based interventions for problem behavior is the potential for requesting reinforcement at high rates. Multiple-schedule arrangements have been demonstrated to be effective for controlling rates of responding (Hanley, Iwata, & Thompson, 2001). In the current study, we extended previous research by teaching individuals to attend to naturally occurring discriminative stimuli (e.g., caregiver behavior) instead of arbitrary stimuli (e.g., picture cards). Following successful treatment with functional communication and extinction, 2 participants were taught to request attention differentially based on whether the caregiver was engaging in a variety of "busy" (e.g., talking on the phone) or "nonbusy" (e.g., reading a magazine) activities. Following training, each participant engaged in communication primarily when caregivers were engaged in nonbusy activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Kuhn
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.
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Matson JL, Kozlowski AM, Worley JA, Shoemaker ME, Sipes M, Horovitz M. What is the evidence for environmental causes of challenging behaviors in persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders? RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:693-698. [PMID: 21144702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
An extensive literature on the causes of challenging behaviors has been developed, primarily in the applied behavior analysis literature. One hundred and seventy-three empirical studies were reviewed where functional assessment serves as the primary method of identifying these causes. Most of the studies were able to identify a clear function or functions. Most commonly established causes were attention, the efforts to acquire tangibles, negative reinforcement in the form of escape from tasks or environments, and sensory stimulation, also described as an alone condition. Examples are provided regarding how these conditions are investigated across studies. Biological and cognitive causes have also been demonstrated. However, to date the empirical literature is limited with the bulk of studies being correlational. Considerably more research is needed, but some causes and methods to identify them are beginning to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny L Matson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Luczynski KC, Hanley GP. Do children prefer contingencies? An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for contingent versus noncontingent social reinforcement during play. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 42:511-25. [PMID: 20190915 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Discovering whether children prefer reinforcement via a contingency or independent of their behavior is important considering the ubiquity of these programmed schedules of reinforcement. The current study evaluated the efficacy of and preference for social interaction within differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) schedules with typically developing children. Results showed that 7 of the 8 children preferred the DRA schedule; 1 child was indifferent. We also demonstrated a high degree of procedural fidelity, which suggested that preference is influenced by the presence of a contingency under which reinforcement can be obtained. These findings are discussed in terms of (a) the selection of reinforcement schedules in practice, (b) variables that influence children's preferences for contexts, and (c) the selection of experimental control procedures when evaluating the effects of reinforcement.
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Petscher ES, Rey C, Bailey JS. A review of empirical support for differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2009; 30:409-425. [PMID: 18929460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2008.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is one of the most common behavior analytic interventions used to decrease unwanted behavior. We reviewed the DRA literature from the past 30 years to identify the aspects that are thoroughly researched and those that would benefit from further emphasis. We found and coded 116 empirical studies that used DRA, later grouping them into categories that met APA Division 12 Task Force criteria. We found that DRA has been successful at reducing behaviors on a continuum from relatively minor problems like prelinguistic communication to life-threatening failure to thrive. DRA with and without extinction is well established for treating destructive behavior of those with developmental disabilities, and to combat food refusal.
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15
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Rapp JT. Conjugate reinforcement: a brief review and suggestions for applications to the assessment of automatically reinforced behavior. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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An Objective Comparison of Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management Research. JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 2005. [DOI: 10.1300/j075v25n01_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Hanley GP, Piazza CC, Fisher WW, Maglieri KA. On the effectiveness of and preference for punishment and extinction components of function-based interventions. J Appl Behav Anal 2005; 38:51-65. [PMID: 15898474 PMCID: PMC1224409 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2005.6-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The current study describes an assessment sequence that may be used to identify individualized, effective, and preferred interventions for severe problem behavior in lieu of relying on a restricted set of treatment options that are assumed to be in the best interest of consumers. The relative effectiveness of functional communication training (FCT) with and without a punishment component was evaluated with 2 children for whom functional analyses demonstrated behavioral maintenance via social positive reinforcement. The results showed that FCT plus punishment was more effective than FCT in reducing problem behavior. Subsequently, participants' relative preference for each treatment was evaluated in a concurrent-chains arrangement, and both participants demonstrated a dear preference for FCT with punishment. These findings suggest that the treatment-selection process may be guided by person-centered and evidence-based values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Hanley
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To establish the conditional use of requests for assistance as an alternative to escape maintained challenging behaviour. METHOD The study involved a 12-year-old boy with a behaviour disorder. Experiment 1 involved the implementation of a reversal design comparing the learner's performance during "easy" and "difficult" addition problems. Experiment 2 involved the implementation of a quasi-experimental design to establish the conditional use of requests for assistance. RESULTS Conditional use of requests for assistance successfully competed with escape maintained challenging behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that for a newly acquired response to be displayed conditionally, two events must occur. First, the individual must learn the skill that has been associated with requests for assistance. Secondly, the contingencies must be such that reinforcement value is greater for an independent response than for a response that involves a request for assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reichle
- Department of Communication Disorders, University of Minnesota, 164 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Carr JE, Coriaty S, Wilder DA, Gaunt BT, Dozier CL, Britton LN, Avina C, Reed CL. A review of "noncontingent" reinforcement as treatment for the aberrant behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2000; 21:377-391. [PMID: 11100801 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-4222(00)00050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The term noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) refers to the delivery of an aberrant behavior's known reinforcer on a response-independent basis. The typical result is a decrease in responding from baseline (i.e., reinforcement) levels. NCR has become one of the most reported function-based treatments for aberrant behavior in the recent literature. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the history of the procedure and summarize the findings from the treatment research literature. The review is organized into the following sections: (a) basic research on NCR, (b) NCR as a control procedure, (c) NCR as a function-based treatment, (d) considerations in the programming of NCR schedules, (e) behavior-change mechanisms underlying NCR effects, and (t) directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Carr
- University of Nevada, Reno 89557-0062, USA.
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Brown KA, Wacker DP, Derby KM, Peck SM, Richman DM, Sasso GM, Knutson CL, Harding JW. Evaluating the effects of functional communication training in the presence and absence of establishing operations. J Appl Behav Anal 2000; 33:53-71. [PMID: 10738952 PMCID: PMC1284222 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2000.33-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We conducted functional analyses of aberrant behavior with 4 children with developmental disabilities. We then implemented functional communication training (FCT) by using different mands across two contexts, one in which the establishing operation (EO) that was relevant to the function of aberrant behavior was present and one in which the EO that was relevant to the function of aberrant behavior was absent. The mand used in the EO-present context served the same function as aberrant behavior, and the mand used in the EO-absent context served a different function than the one identified via the functional analysis. In addition, a free-play (control) condition was conducted for all children. Increases in relevant manding were observed in the EO-present context for 3 of the 4 participants. Decreases in aberrant behavior were achieved by the end of the treatment analysis for all 4 participants. Irrelevant mands were rarely observed in the EO-absent context for 3 of the 4 participants. Evaluating the effectiveness of FCT across different contexts allowed a further analysis of manding when the establishing operations were present or absent. The contributions of this study to the understanding of functional equivalence are also discussed.
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Hagopian LP, Crockett JL, van Stone M, DeLeon IG, Bowman LG. Effects of noncontingent reinforcement on problem behavior and stimulus engagement: the role of satiation, extinction, and alternative reinforcement. J Appl Behav Anal 2000; 33:433-49. [PMID: 11214021 PMCID: PMC1284269 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2000.33-433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with and without extinction on problem behavior and stimulus engagement (consumption of reinforcement) of 4 participants. Reductions in problem behavior using NCR have frequently been attributed to both satiation of the reinforcer and extinction. In the current study, aspects of the NCR treatment effects were difficult to explain based solely on either a satiation or an extinction account. Specifically, it was found that stimulus engagement remained high throughout the NCR treatment analysis, and that problem behavior was reduced to near-zero levels during NCR without extinction. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the satiation and extinction hypotheses frequently described in the applied literature. Findings from basic studies examining the effects of response-independent schedules are presented, and are used as the basis for a matching theory account of NCR-related effects. It is proposed that reductions in problem behavior observed during NCR interventions may be a function of the availability of alternative sources of reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Hagopian
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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Fisher WW, Thompson RH, Hagopian LP, Bowman LG, Krug A. Facilitating tolerance of delayed reinforcement during functional communication training. Behav Modif 2000; 24:3-29. [PMID: 10641365 DOI: 10.1177/0145445500241001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Few clinical investigations have addressed the problem of delayed reinforcement. In this investigation, three individuals whose destructive behavior was maintained by positive reinforcement were treated using functional communication training (FCT) with extinction (EXT). Next, procedures used in the basic literature on delayed reinforcement and self-control (reinforcer delay fading, punishment of impulsive responding, and provision of an alternative activity during reinforcer delay) were used to teach participants to tolerate delayed reinforcement. With the first case, reinforcer delay fading alone was effective at maintaining low rates of destructive behavior while introducing delayed reinforcement. In the second case, the addition of a punishment component reduced destructive behavior to near-zero levels and facilitated reinforcer delay fading. With the third case, reinforcer delay fading was associated with increases in masturbation and head rolling, but prompting and praising the individual for completing work during the delay interval reduced all problem behaviors and facilitated reinforcer delay fading.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Fisher
- Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Fisher WW, Kuhn DE, Thompson RH. Establishing discriminative control of responding using functional and alternative reinforcers during functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 1998; 31:543-60. [PMID: 9891393 PMCID: PMC1284147 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Functional communication training (FCT) is a popular treatment for problem behaviors, but its effectiveness may be compromised when the client emits the target communication response and reinforcement is either delayed or denied. In the current investigation, we trained 2 individuals to emit different communication responses to request (a) the reinforcer for destructive behavior in a given situation (e.g., contingent attention in the attention condition of a functional analysis) and (b) an alternative reinforcer (e.g., toys in the attention condition of a functional analysis). Next, we taught the participants to request each reinforcer in the presence of a different discriminative stimulus (SD). Then, we evaluated the effects of differential reinforcement of communication (DRC) using the functional and alternative reinforcers and correlated SDs, with and without extinction of destructive behavior. During all applications, DRC (in combination with SDs that signaled available reinforcers) rapidly reduced destructive behavior to low levels regardless of whether the functional reinforcer or an alternative reinforcer was available or whether reinforcement for destructive behavior was discontinued (i.e., extinction).
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Fisher
- Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Hanley GP, Piazza CC, Fisher WW, Contrucci SA, Maglieri KA. Evaluation of client preference for function-based treatment packages. J Appl Behav Anal 1997; 30:459-73. [PMID: 9316259 PMCID: PMC1284062 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1997.30-459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Functional communication training (FCT) and noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) are commonly prescribed treatments that are based on the results of a functional analysis. Both treatments involve delivery of the reinforcer that is responsible for the maintenance of destructive behavior. One major difference between the two treatment procedures is that client responding determines reinforcement delivery with FCT (e.g., reinforcement of communication is delivered on a fixed-ratio 1 schedule) but not with NCR (e.g., reinforcement is delivered on a fixed-time 30-s schedule). In the current investigation, FCT and NCR were equally effective in reducing 2 participants' destructive behavior that was sensitive to attention as reinforcement. After the treatment analysis, the participants' relative preference for each treatment was evaluated using a modified concurrent-chains procedure. Both participants demonstrated a preference for the FCT procedure. The results are discussed in terms of treatment efficacy and preference for control over when reinforcement is delivered. In addition, a method is demonstrated in which clients with developmental disabilities can participate in selecting treatments that are designed to reduce their destructive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Hanley
- Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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