Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
What are the types of behavioural assessments
Indirect Assessment:
Interviews
Questionnaires
Rating scales
Direct Assessment:
Involves direct observation and recording of target behavior as it occurs
How do you record behaviour
Define the target behavior: Clearly articulate what is being observed.
Identify recording logistics: Determine who, when, and where recording will occur.
Choose a recording method: Decide on the type of behavior to record.
Select a recording instrument: Determine how the behavior will be recorded.
Assess reliability: Ensure the recording is consistent and dependable.
Consider reactivity: Be mindful of how the recording process may influence behavior.
What are some recording methods
Continuous Recording:
Frequency
Duration
Intensity
Latency
Product Recording
Interval Recording
Time Sample Recording
What is product recording
Also known as permanent product recording.
An indirect method assessing behavior based on tangible outcomes.
Advantages: Does not require an observer's presence.
Disadvantages: Difficulty in identifying who engaged in the behavior that produced the outcome.
What is interval recording
Method of determining whether behavior occurred during specific intervals.
Observers divide the overall observation period into smaller intervals, during which they note the presence or absence of the target behavior.
What is time sample recording
Observation occurs only during specific parts of each interval, set by a timer.
Example: Observing behavior at the moment of a timer beep (e.g., bad posture).
What is reactivity and how can you reduce it
Reactivity refers to changes in behavior due to the recording process itself.
Strategies to minimize reactivity:
Allow the subject to acclimate to being observed or self-monitoring.
Employ discreet observation techniques, such as observation windows or utilizing participant observers.
What is the purpose of research in behaviour modification
To assess the effectiveness of treatment programs.
Demonstration: To show the functional relationship between environmental events and behavior, proving that changes in the environment caused behavior changes.
What are the 2 behaviour modification research designs
A-B Design
Consists of one baseline (A) and one treatment phase (B).
Commonly used in clinical practice and self-management projects.
A-B-A-B Reversal Design
Involves implementing baseline and treatment phases twice for one behavior of one subject.
Effectively demonstrates a functional relationship between behavior and treatment.
What are the 3 principles of behaviour
Reinforcement: Process that strengthens behaviors. B. F. Skinner
Extinction: Diminishing a behavior by discontinuing its reinforcement.
Punishment: Application of an aversive consequence after a behavior to reduce its occurrence.
What are the effects of reinforcement on behaviour
Increase in frequency of behavior.
Increase in duration of behavior.
Increase in intensity of behavior.
Increase in quickness of response (decrease in latency).
What is operant behaviour
Behavior that is strengthened through reinforcement; it is controlled by its consequences.
Operant behavior interacts with the environment, producing consequences that influence future occurrences.
What is a reinforcer
Consequences (stimulus or event) that follow operant behavior and strengthen it.
You reinforce behaviour not people
What are the 2 types of reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement: Behavior followed by the presentation of a stimulus (reinforcer) strengthens the behavior (something is added).
Negative Reinforcement: Behavior followed by the removal of an aversive stimulus strengthens the behavior (things are taken away).
What is the Premack principle
A higher-frequency (more desirable) behavior can reinforce a lower-frequency (less desirable) behavior.
People engage in less pleasurable activities to access more pleasurable ones.
What is escape and avoidance behaviours and examples
Are involved in negative reinforcement
Escape:
Behavior that results in terminating (escape from) an aversive stimulus.
Stepping onto grass to avoid hot asphalt.
Avoidance:
Wearing shoes to avoid stepping on hot asphalt.
Behavior that prevents (avoidance of) the occurrence of an aversive stimulus.
What are Unconditioned Reinforcers
Naturally reinforcing (e.g., food, water).
What are conditioned reinforcers
Previously neutral stimuli that become reinforcing through association (e.g., praise, money).
What are conditioned generalization
Paired with various reinforcers (e.g., money, tokens).
What are factors influencing reinforcement
Immediacy: Reinforcers are most effective when they occur right after the behavior.
Contingency: A direct link between behavior and consequence enhances reinforcement.
Establishing Operations: Events that alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer based on an individual's circumstances (e.g., thirst).
Individual Differences: Effectiveness of a reinforcer varies among individuals.
Intensity of the Stimulus: A stronger stimulus is a more powerful reinforcer.
What are the 2 schedules of reinforcement
Continuous Reinforcement: Every response is reinforced.
Intermittent Reinforcement: Not every response is reinforced.
What are fixed ratio schedules
Reinforcement occurs after a fixed number of responses.
Effect: High response rate with pauses after reinforcement.
What are fixed interval schedules
Reinforcement for the first response after a fixed period.
Effect: Low but gradually increasing response rate near the end of the interval.
What are variable ratio schedules
Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.
Effect: High response rate without pauses.
What are variable interval schedules
Reinforcement for the first response after varying time intervals.
Effect: Steady but low response rate.
What are concurrent schedules of reinforcement
Schedules of reinforcement that exist at the same time for 2 or more different behaviours
Concurrent operants
What are the factors influencing the choice of concurrent operants
Schedule of reinforcement
Magnitude of reinforcement
Immediacy of reinforcement
Response effort
What is extinction
A previously reinforced behavior.
No longer followed by the reinforcing consequence.
Results in the weakening of the behavior (behavior decreases and ceases to occur in the future).
What are the initial Reactions when the Reinforcer Stops
Increase in frequency, duration, or intensity of the unreinforced behavior.
Emergence of novel behaviors.
Rise in emotional and/or aggressive behaviors.
What is spontaneous recovery
The behavior reappears sometime after it has been eliminated through extinction.
The aim is to re-elicit the reinforcer.
If the reinforcer is given again, this can resemble partial reinforcement, which increases resistance to extinction.
What are variations of extinction
Extinction of Positively Reinforced Behavior:
The positive reinforcer is no longer delivered after exhibiting the behavior.
Extinction of Negatively Reinforced Behavior:
The aversive stimulus is no longer removed after the behavior occurs.
Example: Stopping the use of earplugs because they are ineffective in blocking noise.
What are factors that influence extinction
Schedule of Reinforcement:
A continuous reinforcement schedule facilitates easier extinction compared to other schedules.
Role of Spontaneous Recovery:
If reinforcement occurs after the start of extinction, it complicates the extinction process and makes the behavior harder to extinguish.
What is punishment
Occurrence of a Behavior
Immediate Consequence
A consequence follows the behavior quickly.
Future Probability
Results in a decrease in the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.
Involves a decrease in future probability of the behavior.
What is positive punishment
An aversive stimulus (punisher) is applied or presented.
Results in decreased likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.
What is negative punishment
A reinforcer is withdrawn or removed.
Leads to decreased likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.
What is a punisher
A stimulus following a behavior that leads to a decrease in the likelihood of that behavior.
Also referred to as an aversive stimulus.
What are unconditioned punishers and an example
Events with biological importance and require no conditioning to be effective.
Examples: Painful stimuli and extreme stimulation (heat, cold, auditory, visual).
What are conditioned punishers and an example
A previously neutral stimulus paired with an established punisher becomes a punisher itself.
Examples: "No", reprimands, threats, warnings, disapproving facial expressions.
Determined by their impact on behavior.
What are factors influencing punishment
Immediacy
Contingency
Establishing operations
Intensity
Individual differences
What are functional assessments
Gathering information about the antecedents and consequences related to problem behaviors.
What is the Treatment Process for Decreasing Problem Behaviors
Identify and Define: Determine problem behavior(s).
Data Collection: Start baseline measurement.
Complete Functional Assessment: Generate hypotheses about antecedents and consequences.
Treatment Development: Create and execute treatment plans.
Evaluation: Assess effectiveness based on behavioral changes.
What is the behavioral model
Influence of Behavior: Behavior is shaped by antecedents and consequences in the model A → B → C
Behavior is influenced by competing behaviors (concurrent operants)
Desirable behaviors vs undesirable behaviors (e.g. studying vs. Facebook)
What are the social and automatic categories of reinforcement
Social Positive Reinforcement: Attention, praise, reactions, or activities mediated by others.
Social Negative Reinforcement: Escape from tasks or interactions mediated by others.
Automatic Positive Reinforcement: Sensory stimulation not mediated by others.
Automatic Negative Reinforcement: Relief from pain or anxiety not mediated by others.
What are the functional assessment methods
Direct Observation: Observer records behavior directly.
Indirect (Informant) Methods: Interviews and questionnaires about antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.
Functional Analysis: Manipulating antecedents/consequences to assess behavioral functions.
How do you conduct a functional assessment
Start with interviews or indirect assessment.
Develop hypotheses about antecedents and consequences.
Conduct direct observation assessments.
Confirm or modify hypotheses based on observations.
What is stimulus control
The effects of reinforcement, extinction, and punishment are situation-specific.
Behavior Response:
Continues in situations previously reinforced.
Stops in situations where it was not reinforced or was punished.
What are the A-B-C’s of operant behaviour
Three-Term Contingency: Antecedent (Stimulus)(A) -> Behavior (B) -> Consequence (C)
For discrimination training, consequences (reinforcer or punisher) must be contingent on the behavior's occurrence only in the presence of a specific antecedent stimulus.
Notation: SD → R → SR (Reinforcement) and SD → R → SP (Punishment).
What is the procedure for stimulus discrimination training
Reinforce behavior in presence of one antecedent (SD).
Do not reinforce the behavior when other antecedents are present.
SD (Discriminative Stimulus): Present during reinforcement and behaviour is more likely to occur in the presence of SD.
SΔ (S-delta): Present when behavior is not reinforced.
Outcomes:
SD → Behavior → Reinforcer (SR).
SΔ → Behavior → Extinction (EXT).
Outcome: In the future, the behaviour is more likely to occur when the SD is present.
Stimulus control results from discrimination training.
What is a promtp
An antecedent stimulus that controls a specific response.
Ensures behavior occurs at the appropriate time for reinforcement.
Formula: SD (Discriminative Stimulus) + prompt → R (Response) → SR (Reinforcement)
Where is prompting used
Discrimination Training: Used to help individuals discriminate between different stimuli.
Behavior Development: Aims to develop new behaviors.
Example: Teaching students to read English words.
Enhances teaching/training effectiveness
Who uses prompting
Teachers
Coaches
Parents
Trainers
What are response prompts and their types
Involve another person's behaviors to elicit a response.
Types:
Verbal Prompt: Oral instructions or cues.
Gestural Prompt: Nonverbal cues, e.g., pointing.
Modeling Prompt: Demonstration of the desired behavior.
Physical Prompt: Direct physical assistance to perform the behavior.
What are Stimulus prompts and their types
Involve modifications to the stimulus itself.
Types:
Within Stimulus Prompt: Change characteristics of the SD (size, shape, color).
Extra-stimulus Prompt: Adding a new stimulus to assist in making correct discriminations.
What is transfer of stimulus control and their methods
Achieve correct responses in the presence of the SD without prompts.
Methods:
Fading: Gradually removing prompts while the response occurs in the presence of the SD.
Prompt Delay: Delay the presentation of the prompt after presenting the SD.
What are the steps for using prompting and fading
Select the most effective prompt strategy
Capture the learner's attention
Present the SD
Prompt the correct behavior
Reinforce the accurate response
Gradually fade prompts across trials
Maintain reinforcement for responses without prompts
Employ intermittent reinforcement for sustaining behavior.
What is shaping
Shaping is a procedure that enhances the frequency of desirable behavior.
What are the 2 principles involved in shaping
Reinforcement: Encouraging closer behavior approximations.
Extinction: Withholding reinforcement for unwanted or non-target behaviors.
What are the steps for using shaping
Define the Target Behavior: Clear and concise definition.
Assess Shaping Suitability: Determine if shaping is the best method or if alternatives like instructions/modeling/prompting are better.
Identify the Starting Behavior:
Must be an existing behavior to build on.
Choose Shaping Steps:
Define steps leading closer to the target behavior.
Ensure steps are manageable and not overly ambitious.
Choose the Reinforcer:
Must serve effectively as a reinforcer for the individual doing the behavior.
Pay attention to satiation effects; conditioned reinforcers preferred.
Reinforce Each Successive Approximation:
Start with the first approximation until consistent.
Transition reinforcement to the next approximation as it becomes stable.
Adjust Pace Appropriately:
Move through the shaping process sensibly based on progress.
What is a behavioural chain
A complex behavior made up of multiple sequential component behaviors.
Involves identifying all stimuli (SDs) and responses (Rs) that constitute a behavioral chain.
The chaining process can be depicted as follows:
SD1 --> R1
SD2 --> R2
SD3 --> R3
SD4 --> R4 --> SR
What is forward and backwards chaining
Forward Chaining: Teaches from the first component.
Backward Chaining: Teaches from the last component, enabling the learner to complete the chain in every trial.
In backward chaining, learners receive the natural reinforcer each time; in forward chaining, they may not complete the chain in every trial.
What is the token economy
Systematic use of conditioned reinforcers (tokens) to increase desirable behaviors in educational or treatment settings and may involve response cost to decrease undesirable behaviors.
Goals include promoting positive behavior and managing behavioral issues.
How does a token economy work
Child has no tokens and no access to desired items or activities.
Child exhibits desired behaviors.
Child receives tokens for engaging in these behaviors.
Child exchanges tokens for access to desired items or activities.
What is a behavioural contract
A method for individuals to manage their own behavior by applying reinforcement and punishment.
Written Agreement: Identifies a specific level of target behavior and the consequences associated with that behavior.
Also known as:
Contingency Contract
Performance Contract
What are the components of a behavioral contract
Identify Target Behavior and Criterion Level
Clarifies expectations.
Functions as a goal-setting tool.
State Measurement Method
Eliminates ambiguity regarding behavior occurrence.
Time Frame Specification
Indicates when the behavior must occur.
Consequences Identification
Positive/Negative reinforcement to increase target behavior.
Positive/Negative punishment to decrease target behavior.
Implementation Responsibility
Typically managed by a contract manager.
May include significant others.
Signatures
Signatures from client and contract manager represent a public commitment.
What are examples of competing responses
Motor Tics: Lightly tense muscles involved while holding body parts still.
Vocal Tics: Slow, deep breathing through the nose with the mouth closed.
Nail Biting/Hair Pulling: Keep hands busy (e.g., fist at side, hands in pockets, grasping object).
Bruxism: Keep teeth slightly apart or lightly clench.
Stuttering: Diaphragmatic breathing with slight exhale before speaking.
