When some people think of the work of behavior analysts or clinical child psychologists, the tendency is to think of their role in reducing behavioral excesses, also called "reductive procedures." Reductive procedures entail the use of behavioral approaches in an attempt to reduce the frequency of undesirable behaviors, which include reinforcement-based techniques as well as punishment.
In this Discussion, you will focus on a technique designed to reduce the frequency of problem behavior. You will analyze the importance of reinforcing functionally equivalent behavior in a reductive procedure
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media programs, to gain an understanding of reinforcing functionally equivalent alternatives to problem behavior when using a reductive procedure. Note: It is critical for you to review all media for this week prior to completing this Discussion.
- Post an explanation of why it is important to reinforce functionally equivalent alternatives to problem behavior when using a reductive procedure. Give an example of using both a reductive procedure combined with reinforcement of a functionally equivalent behavior in reducing self-stimulatory behavior in a child with autism.
Resources
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 14, “Positive Punishment” (pp. 326–351)
- Chapter 15, “Negative Punishment” (pp. 352–369)
- Little, S. G., & Akin-Little, A. (2019). Reductive procedures: Positive approaches to reducing the incidence of problem behavior. In S. G. Little, & A. Akin-Little (Eds.), Behavioral interventions in schools: Evidence-based positive strategies (2nd ed., pp. 77–96). American Psychological Association. Credit Line: Behavioral interventions in schools: Evidence-based positive strategies, 2nd Edition by Little, S. G., & Akin-Little, A. Copyright 2019 by American Psychological Association. Reprinted by permission of American Psychological Association via the Copyright Clearance Center. Licensed in 20