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St Peter CC. Honoring Dr. Henry S. Pennypacker: Shaping Behavior (and Lives) in the Classroom. J Appl Behav Anal 2024; 57:30-31. [PMID: 37971193 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire C St Peter
- Psychology Department, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Bergmann S, Long BP, St Peter CC, Brand D, Strum MD, Han JB, Wallace MD. A detailed examination of reporting procedural fidelity in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. J Appl Behav Anal 2023; 56:708-719. [PMID: 37572025 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Few reviews on procedural fidelity-the degree to which procedures are implemented as designed-provide details to gauge the quality of fidelity reporting in behavior-analytic research. This review focused on experiments in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (2006-2021) with "integrity" or "fidelity" in the abstract or body. When fidelity data were collected, the coders characterized measurement details (e.g., description of calculation, report of single or multiple values, frequency of fidelity checks, checklist use). The researchers found increasing trends in describing the calculation(s), reporting multiple values, and stating the frequency of measurement. Few studies described using a checklist. Most studies reported fidelity as a percentage, with high obtained values (M = 97%). When not collecting fidelity data was stated as a limitation, authors were unlikely to provide a rationale for the omission. We discuss recommendations for reporting procedural fidelity to increase the quality of and transparency in behavior-analytic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bergmann
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Brian P Long
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Claire C St Peter
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Denys Brand
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Marcus D Strum
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Justin B Han
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michele D Wallace
- Department of Special Education & Counseling, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Han JB, Bergmann S, Brand D, Wallace MD, St. Peter CC, Feng J, Long BP. Trends in Reporting Procedural Integrity: A Comparison. Behav Anal Pract 2023; 16:388-398. [PMID: 37187851 PMCID: PMC10169953 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-022-00741-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Procedural integrity refers to the extent to which an independent variable is implemented as described. Measuring procedural integrity is one important factor when considering internal and external validity of experiments. Experimental articles in behavior-analytic journals have rarely reported procedural-integrity data. The purpose of this study was to update previous reviews of whether articles published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis reported procedural integrity, spanning a period from 1980 to 2020, and compare reporting in JABA to recent reviews of studies published in Behavior Analysis in Practice (2008-2019) and the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (2000-2020). Procedural integrity continues to be underreported across all three journals, but an increasing trend in reporting procedural integrity is evident in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavior Analysis in Practice. In addition to our recommendations and implications for research and practice, we provide examples and resources to assist researchers and practitioners with recording and reporting integrity data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Bergmann
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203-5017 USA
| | - Denys Brand
- California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Feng
- California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
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St Peter CC, Brand D, Jones SH, Wolgemuth JR, Lipien L. On a persisting curious double standard in behavior analysis: Behavioral scholars' perspectives on procedural fidelity. J Appl Behav Anal 2023; 56:336-351. [PMID: 36722172 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Procedural fidelity is the extent to which independent variables are implemented as designed. Despite 40 years of discussion about the importance of procedural fidelity for behavioral research, reporting of fidelity data remains an uncommon practice in behavior-analytic journals. Researchers have speculated about reasons for underreporting, but the perspectives of scholars about when reporting is warranted or necessary have not yet been explored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate possible reasons for infrequent reporting of fidelity data in behavior-analytic studies. To address this purpose, we conducted focus groups with scholars in applied behavior analysis. Five themes emerged regarding why procedural fidelity data are not typically reported. We provide a discussion about how these themes are interrelated and offer suggestions and recommendations to assist with the collection and reporting of fidelity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C St Peter
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Denys Brand
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie H Jones
- Department of Psychology, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, United States
| | - Jennifer R Wolgemuth
- Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lodi Lipien
- Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Foreman AP, Romano LM, Mesches GA, St. Peter CC. A Translational Evaluation of Commission Fidelity Errors on Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior. Psychol Rec 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-022-00528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Jones SH, St Peter CC. Nominally acceptable integrity failures negatively affect interventions involving intermittent reinforcement. J Appl Behav Anal 2022; 55:1109-1123. [PMID: 35822271 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The finding that differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is efficacious at 80% integrity when continuous reinforcement is programmed for alternative responding may have contributed to a perception that integrity at 80% or above is acceptable. However, research also suggests that other interventions (e.g., noncontingent reinforcement) may not remain effective at 80% integrity. The conditions under which 80% integrity is acceptable for common behavioral interventions remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted two human-operant studies to evaluate effects of 80% integrity for interventions with contingent or noncontingent intermittent reinforcement schedules. During Experiment 1, we compared noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and DRA when implemented with 80% integrity. During Experiment 2, we compared 2 variations of DRA, which included either a ratio or interval schedule to reinforce alternative behavior. Results replicated previous research showing that DRA with a FR-1 schedule programmed for alternative responding resulted in consistent target response suppression, even when integrity was reduced to 80%. In contrast, neither NCR nor interval-based DRA were consistently effective when implemented at 80% integrity. These results demonstrate that 80% integrity is not a uniformly acceptable minimal level of integrity.
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Kurland A, St Peter CC. Connecting animal trainers and behavior analysts through loopy training. J Exp Anal Behav 2022; 118:237-249. [PMID: 35698922 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The communities of behavior analysts and animal trainers remain relatively disconnected, despite potentially beneficial links between behavioral principles and the practices of animal training. Describing existing links between research by behavior analysts and practices used by animal trainers may foster connections. In this paper, we describe an approach used by many clicker trainers, referred to as loopy training. Loopy training is a teaching process built around the concept of movement cycles. Interactions between the animal learner and the handler are refined into predictable, cyclical patterns that can be expanded into complex sequences. These sequences include cues, target responses, conditioned reinforcers, and consummatory responses. We link the foundations of loopy training to existing work in the experimental analysis of behavior, compare loopy training to other shaping approaches, and describe areas for future research. We conclude with a series of recommendations for further developing connections between behavior analysts and animal trainers, using loopy training as the foundation for our suggestions.
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St Peter CC, Shuler NJ, Jones SH, Bradtke S, Hull SL, Browning B, VanGilder S, Petitto C. Comparing training methods to improve volunteer skills during therapeutic horseback riding: A randomized control trial. J Appl Behav Anal 2021; 54:1157-1174. [PMID: 33730397 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although in-vivo behavioral skills training (BST) is often effective, it may be too resource-intensive for organizations that rely on volunteers. Alternatives to in-vivo BST include video models or interactive computer training (ICT), but the utility of these procedures for training volunteers remains largely unknown. We used a randomized control trial to teach multiple skills to new volunteers at a therapeutic riding center. A total of 60 volunteers were assigned to one of three groups using block randomization. Depending on group assignment, volunteers received instructions and modeling through in-vivo interactions, a video model, or ICT. All volunteers completed in-vivo role plays with feedback. Skills were measured by unblinded observers during role plays. There were no statistically significant differences in accuracy of role-play performance between volunteers in the in-vivo BST and ICT groups, but both outperformed the video-model group. The ICT and video model required statistically significantly less time from a live instructor than did in-vivo training. Thus, although in-vivo BST remains best practice, ICT may be a viable alternative when training resources are limited.
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Abstract
Timeout is an effective behavior-reduction strategy with considerable generality. However, little is known about how timeout is implemented under natural conditions, or how errors in implementation impact effectiveness. During Experiment 1, we observed teachers implementing timeout during play to evaluate how frequently the teachers implemented timeout following target behavior (omission errors) and other behaviors (commission errors) for four children. Teachers rarely implemented timeout; thus, omission errors were frequent, but commission errors rarely occurred. During Experiment 2, we used a reversal design to compare timeout implemented with 0% omission integrity, 100% integrity, and the level of omission integrity observed to occur during Experiment 1 for two of the participants. Timeout implemented with reduced-integrity decreased problem behavior relative to baseline, suggesting that infrequent teacher implementation of timeout may have been sufficient to reduce problem behavior.
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Jones SH, St. Peter CC, Ruckle MM. Reporting of demographic variables in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 53:1304-1315. [PMID: 32383188 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Diaz-Salvat CC, St Peter CC, Shuler NJ. Increased number of responses may account for reduced resurgence following serial training. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 53:1542-1558. [PMID: 32030747 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Abrupt discontinuation of functional communication training can cause resurgence of challenging behavior. Teaching multiple alternative responses in sequence (serial training) may reduce resurgence, relative to teaching a single alternative. However, previous evaluations of serial training included a different number of response options across comparison conditions. In Experiment 1, we varied both training type (single and serial) and number of response options, and replicated previous findings showing that more resurgence occurred following single training relative to serial training. In Experiment 2, we varied the training type while holding the number of alternative responses constant and obtained no consistent differences in resurgence. In Experiment 3, we varied the number of alternative responses while holding training type constant (i.e., single). More resurgence occurred in the condition with fewer response options, suggesting that the number of available alternative responses, and not explicit serial training of alternatives, was critical to outcomes.
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Abstract
Resurgence is often discussed in relation to the relapse of undesirable behavior. However, resurgence may also describe the recurrence of socially appropriate behavior, including academic responding. The recurrence of academic responses following periods of extinction may aid in the solution of novel problems. The aims of this study were to evaluate the resurgence of complex, desirable behavior related to college-level instruction and to explore problem form as an aspect of environmental context. Each participant was taught 2 response chains to solve quadratic equations across experimental phases, followed by a phase in which neither chain resulted in the correct solution (extinction). During Experiment 1, the equations presented during extinction resembled those presented during reinforcement of the alternative response. Of the 8 participants in Experiment 1, 4 attempted to use the first-taught chain to solve an equation in the extinction phase. During Experiment 2, the equations presented during extinction resembled those presented during reinforcement of the target response. Of the 8 participants in Experiment 2, 6 attempted to use the first-taught chain to solve an equation in the extinction phase. Results demonstrate the resurgence of academic responses and suggest that the form of the problem may constitute a context that affects resurgence.
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Robinson N, St Peter CC. Accumulated reinforcers increase academic responding and suppress problem behavior for students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 52:1076-1088. [PMID: 31016731 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We compared rates of academic responses and problem behavior during mathematics with distributed and accumulated reinforcer arrangements for 3 students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who engaged in chronic, severe problem behavior. All 3 students engaged in more academic responding and less problem behavior when reinforcers accumulated throughout the session, relative to conditions in which reinforcers were distributed throughout the session or withheld completely. We then conducted concurrent-chain analyses to evaluate student preference for the reinforcer arrangements. Two students preferred distributed reinforcers, even though this arrangement continued to produce problem behavior. One student preferred accumulated reinforcers. Our data replicate previous findings regarding the efficacy of accumulated-reinforcer arrangements, but suggest that students do not always prefer the most efficacious reinforcer arrangement.
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Kestner KM, Diaz-Salvat CC, St Peter CC, Peterson SM. Assessing the repeatability of resurgence in humans: Implications for the use of within-subject designs. J Exp Anal Behav 2018; 110:545-552. [PMID: 30324728 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Resurgence refers to the recurrence of a previously reinforced response following the worsening of reinforcement conditions (e.g., extinction) for an alternative response. Because of the implications for treatment relapse, researchers have become particularly interested in mitigating resurgence of human behavior. Some studies have employed reversal designs and varied parameters across replications (e.g., ABCADC) to compare effects of second-phase variables. Although resurgence is generally repeatable within and between subjects, the extent to which similar levels of resurgence occur across replications is less clear. To assess the repeatability of resurgence, we conducted a secondary analysis of 62 human-operant data sets using ABCABC reversal designs from two laboratories in the United States. We found significant reductions in the magnitude of resurgence during the second exposure to extinction relative to the first exposure when all other phase variables were held constant. These results suggest that researchers should exercise caution when using within-subject, across-phase replications to compare resurgence between variable manipulations with human participants.
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St. Peter CC, Byrd JD, Pence ST, Foreman AP. Effects of treatment-integrity failures on a response-cost procedure. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:308-28. [PMID: 26792653 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Pence ST, St. Peter CC. Evaluation of treatment integrity errors on mand acquisition. J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:575-89. [PMID: 26235379 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Carroll RA, Joachim BT, St Peter CC, Robinson N. A comparison of error-correction procedures on skill acquisition during discrete-trial instruction. J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:257-73. [PMID: 25913105 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Previous research supports the use of a variety of error-correction procedures to facilitate skill acquisition during discrete-trial instruction. We used an adapted alternating treatments design to compare the effects of 4 commonly used error-correction procedures on skill acquisition for 2 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 3 children with autism spectrum disorder. For all participants, multiple error-correction procedures were effective; however, 1 or 2 specific error-correction procedures led to more efficient skill acquisition for each individual. These results highlight the importance of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of error-correction procedures for individual learners during discrete-trial instruction. We discuss the use of discrete-trial instruction with different populations, implications for using multiple measures of procedural efficiency, and several areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad T Joachim
- West Virginia University, Center For Excellence In Disabilities
| | | | - Nicole Robinson
- West Virginia University, Center For Excellence In Disabilities
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Cook JE, Subramaniam S, Brunson LY, Larson NA, Poe SG, St Peter CC. Global Measures of Treatment Integrity May Mask Important Errors in Discrete-Trial Training. Behav Anal Pract 2015; 8:37-47. [PMID: 27703879 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-014-0039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James E Cook
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Psychology Department, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Shrinidhi Subramaniam
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Psychology Department, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Lashanna Y Brunson
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Center for Excellence in Disabilities, West Virginia University, 959 Hartman Run Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Nicholas A Larson
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Center for Excellence in Disabilities, West Virginia University, 959 Hartman Run Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Susannah G Poe
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Center for Excellence in Disabilities, West Virginia University, 959 Hartman Run Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Claire C St Peter
- grid.268154.c0000000107455110Psychology Department, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
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Marsteller TM, St Peter CC. Effects of fixed-time reinforcement schedules on resurgence of problem behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2014; 47:455-69. [PMID: 24844682 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Resurgence of problem behavior following the discontinuation of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) may be prevented by response-independent reinforcer delivery. In basic research, response-independent reinforcer delivery following DRA prevented resurgence of the initially reinforced response and maintained alternative responding (Lieving & Lattal, 2003, Experiment 3). We evaluated the generality of these results by assessing if fixed-time (FT) reinforcer delivery following DRA would prevent resurgence of problem behavior and maintain appropriate behavior with 4 children with disabilities. For all participants, extinction following DRA produced resurgence of previously reinforced problem behavior and reduced appropriate requests, but FT reinforcer delivery following DRA mitigated resurgence of problem behavior and maintained appropriate requests.
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St. Peter CC, Brunson LY, Cook JE, Subramaniam S, Larson NA, Clingan M, Poe SG. ADHERENCE TO DISCRETE-TRIAL INSTRUCTION PROCEDURES BY RURAL PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. Behav Intervent 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire C. St. Peter
- West Virginia University; Psychology Department; P.O. Box 6040 Morgantown WV 26506 USA
| | - Lashanna Y. Brunson
- West Virginia University; Center for Excellence in Disabilities; 959 Hartman Run Road Morgantown WV 26505 USA
| | - James E. Cook
- West Virginia University; Psychology Department; P.O. Box 6040 Morgantown WV 26506 USA
| | - Shrinidhi Subramaniam
- West Virginia University; Psychology Department; P.O. Box 6040 Morgantown WV 26506 USA
| | - Nicholas A. Larson
- West Virginia University; Center for Excellence in Disabilities; 959 Hartman Run Road Morgantown WV 26505 USA
| | - Mark Clingan
- West Virginia University; Center for Excellence in Disabilities; 959 Hartman Run Road Morgantown WV 26505 USA
| | - Susannah G. Poe
- West Virginia University; Center for Excellence in Disabilities; 959 Hartman Run Road Morgantown WV 26505 USA
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Giles AF, St Peter CC, Pence ST, Gibson AB. Preference for blocking or response redirection during stereotypy treatment. Res Dev Disabil 2012; 33:1691-1700. [PMID: 22695072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Response redirection and response blocking reduce stereotypy maintained by automatic reinforcement. The current study evaluated the effects of redirection and response blocking on the stereotypic responding of three elementary-age children diagnosed with autism. During the treatment evaluation, redirection and response blocking were evaluated using an alternating treatment embedded in a reversal design. Both procedures resulted in comparably low levels of motor stereotypy. Following treatment evaluation, a concurrent chain was conducted to evaluate participant preference for redirection or response blocking. All three participants preferred redirection. Practitioners may wish to consider participant preference when developing and implementing treatments for stereotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee F Giles
- Psychology Department, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Pence ST, St Peter CC, Tetreault AS. Increasing accurate preference assessment implementation through pyramidal training. J Appl Behav Anal 2012; 45:345-59. [PMID: 22844141 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Preference assessments directly evaluate items that may serve as reinforcers, and their implementation is an important skill for individuals who work with children. This study examined the effectiveness of pyramidal training on teachers' implementation of preference assessments. During experiment 1, 3 special education teachers taught 6 trainees to conduct paired-choice, multiple-stimulus without replacement, and free-operant preference assessments. All trainees acquired skills necessary to implement preference assessments with 90% or greater accuracy during the training sessions and demonstrated generalization of skills to their classrooms or clinic. During experiment 2, 5 teachers who served as trainees in experiment 1 trained 18 preschool teachers. All preschool teachers met the mastery criterion following training. Training teachers to implement preference assessments may increase teachers' acceptance and use of behavior-analytic procedures in school settings.
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Abstract
Prior researchers have evaluated the efficacy of using the matching law to describe naturally occurring behavior-environment interactions. However, spurious matching could be obtained if the response and environmental event were correlated, even if the event did not reinforce the response. To assess the likelihood of obtaining spurious matching when relating attention and problem behavior, we evaluated the problem behavior of 3 participants for whom attention did not serve as a reinforcer for problem behavior in a functional analysis. Both the simple and generalized matching equations were used to examine matching relations extracted from descriptive observations that were conducted in the participants' classrooms. The results of aggregated matching analyses showed that the proportional rate of responding approximately matched the proportional rate of contiguous adult attention. Matching analyses conducted for all participants showed correlations between attention and problem behavior. These results demonstrate that spurious matching can be obtained, and they highlight the role of functional analyses in the analysis of naturally occurring matching relations.
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Abstract
We conducted descriptive observations of 5 individuals with developmental disabilities and severe problem behavior while they interacted with their caregivers in either simulated environments (an inpatient hospital facility) or in their homes. The focus of the study was on caregiver reprimands and child problem behavior. Thus, we compared the frequency of problem behavior that immediately preceded a caregiver reprimand to that immediately following a caregiver reprimand, and the results showed that the frequency of problem behavior decreased following a reprimand. It is possible that caregiver reprimands are negatively reinforced by the momentary attenuation of problem behavior, and the implications for long- and short-term effects on caregiver behavior are discussed.
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