Identifying possible contingencies during descriptive analyses of severe behavior disorders.
T R Vollmer1, J C Borrero, C S Wright
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. vollmera@ufl.edu
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|October 27, 2001
Summary
This study examined behavior-environment relations in individuals with developmental disabilities. Analyzing "contingency values" helped identify how specific environmental events reinforce problem behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Contingencies of reinforcement link behavior to environmental consequences.
- Understanding these contingencies is crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems.
- Previous research has focused on direct observation, but evaluating comparative probabilities offers new insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of
- contingency values
- in understanding behavior-environment relations.
- To assess the influence of establishing operations on the reinforcing effectiveness of environmental events.
- To explore methods for linking descriptive and functional analyses of behavior.
Main Methods:
- Observed 11 individuals with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems in simulated hospital therapy rooms.
- Compared the probability of obtaining attention, escape, or access to materials following problem behavior against background probabilities.
- Analyzed comparative probabilities within the context of establishing operations (e.g., diverted attention, demands, restricted access).
Main Results:
- The method of evaluating comparative probabilities proved useful in identifying specific behavior-environment relations.
- Establishing operations influenced the reinforcing effectiveness of environmental events.
- The study highlighted the complexity of identifying naturally occurring contingencies in real-world settings.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method effectively identifies functional relations between behavior and environmental events.
- Understanding contingency values, especially within establishing operations, is key for effective behavioral interventions.
- Further research is needed to refine methods for identifying naturally occurring contingencies in applied settings.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Naturalistic Observations
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
01:29Contingency Table
A contingency table provides a way of portraying data that can facilitate calculating probabilities. It is a method of displaying a frequency distribution as a table with rows and columns to show how two variables may be dependent (contingent) upon each other; The table helps determine conditional probabilities quite quickly and can help systematically organize, analyze and quantify data. The table displays sample values concerning two variables that may be dependent or contingent on one...
01:21Behavior Modification
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...