Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Treatment Package without Escape Extinction to Address Food Selectivity
Published on: August 21, 2015
Competition between positive and negative reinforcement in the treatment of escape behavior
J S Lalli1, T R Vollmer, P R Progar
1University of Pennsylvania, USA. Jlalli@childrens-seashore.org
Abstract:
We compared the effects of reinforcing compliance with either positive reinforcement (edible items) or negative reinforcement (a break) on 5 participants' escape-maintained problem behavior. Both procedures were assessed with or without extinction. Results showed that compliance was higher and problem behavior was lower for all participants when compliance produced an edible item rather than a break. Treatment gains were achieved without the use of extinction. Results are discussed regarding the use of positive reinforcement to treat escape behavior.
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