Behavior-Change Procedures
What this domain tests
Behavior-change procedures covers the selection, design, and evaluation of interventions based on the assessed function of behavior. The exam tests reinforcement schedules, differential reinforcement, antecedent manipulations, extinction, punishment, shaping, chaining, prompting and fading, token economies, and generalization.
Core rules
- Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases it. Negative reinforcement removes a stimulus, while negative punishment removes a stimulus contingent on behavior (response cost, time-out).
- Differential reinforcement: DRA reinforces an alternative; DRO reinforces the absence of the target for an interval; DRI reinforces an incompatible response; DRL reinforces lower rates; DRH reinforces higher rates.
- Antecedent interventions include NCR, high-probability request sequences, and FCT.
- Extinction must match the maintaining reinforcer; an extinction burst is expected and should be planned for.
- Shaping reinforces successive approximations; chaining teaches a task analysis in forward, backward, or total-task order.
- Plan for generalization and maintenance from the start.
Worked example
A 12-year-old refuses work by screaming. Assessment shows escape from demands. FCT teaches the mand "break, please," which produces a brief break; screaming no longer produces escape. The team thins the break schedule and reinforces compliance. Reasoning: FCT is DRA with a functional communication response. Escape extinction is essential; if screaming still works, the new mand will not compete. The mand must be easier than the problem behavior.
Traps
Confusing DRO with DRA; using DRO when the alternative is already frequent; forgetting that time-out and response cost are punishment and require consent and monitoring; reinforcing the problem while adding an alternative; failing to program maintenance.