Behavior Modification Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to behavior modification, including methods of reinforcement and behavior shaping.

Differential Reinforcement

• Focus on specific behaviors

• Withholding for others

• Increases desired behaviors

• Decreases unwanted behaviors

• Context-dependent application

DRA

• Reinforce acceptable alternatives

• Aims to reduce problematic behavior

• Can improve decision-making skills

• Encourages positive behavior choices

Differential Negative Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior

• Remove unpleasant stimulus for desired behavior

• Affects motivation to choose alternative

• Reinforces good behavior through relief

DRI

• Reinforcing behaviors incompatible with problem behaviors

• Prevents occurrence of undesired actions

• Reduces likelihood of conflicting actions

Functional Communication Training

• Replaces undesired behaviors with functional communication

• Focus on expressing needs more appropriately

• Increases social interaction

• Improves overall communication skills

DRO

• Reinforcers given after no problem behavior

• Encourages longer periods without undesirable actions

• Can reduce frequency of problematic behaviors

DRL

• Reinforce low rates of a behavior

• Encourages moderation in behavior frequency

• Can reduce excessive behaviors, such as talking or fidgeting

Full-session DRL

• Reinforce if below target level throughout session

• Beneficial for managing consistent behavior

• Encourages self-regulation over time

Spaced-responding DRL

• Reinforce responses after specific time intervals

• Encourages waiting before responding again

• Helps moderate impulse control

Antecedent Control

• Manipulating environment pre-emptively

• Influences the likelihood of behavior occurring

• Connects well with differential reinforcement

Strategies for Antecedent Control

• Modify SDs (cues) in environment

• Create favorable conditions for desired behaviors

• Remove cues for problem behavior

• Increase accessibility for desired behaviors

Negative Punishment

• Remove stimulus following an undesired behavior

• Aims to decrease chances of recurrence

• Important ethical and practical considerations

Time-Out

• Remove individual from reinforcing environment

• Types: exclusionary (leaves) and non-exclusionary (stays)

• Time-based duration, clarity in purpose

Response Cost

• Removes specific reinforcer as consequence

• Serves as penalty for undesirable behavior

• Must be clear on what is lost

Positive Punishment

• Introduces aversive stimuli after a behavior

• Reduces recurrence likelihood

• Ethical considerations are essential

Overcorrection

• Involves positive practice or restitution

• Requires engaging in desired behavior

• Enhances learning through accountability

Contingent Exercise

• Require physical activity post undesired behavior

• Encourages physical accountability

• Helps reduce undesired behaviors through effort

Guided Compliance

• Physically prompting compliance to requests

• Requires careful handling to avoid harm

• May increase chances of following instructions

Physical Restraint

• Limits movement to prevent harm

• Should be last resort, ethics considered

• Requires training for proper use

Generalization

• Behaviors occurring across various contexts

• Essential for real-world application of skills

• Increases transfer of learning

Strategies for Prompting Generalization

• Include diverse examples in training

• Promote real-world practice opportunities

• Foster varied environments for behavior display

Considerations for Generalization

• Evaluate training environment stability

• Importance of consistency in reinforcement

• Regular assessments and adjustments required