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Assessment of mand selection for functional communication training packages
Lisa Winborn1, David P Wacker, David M Richman
1The University of Iowa, USA. lisa-winborn@uiowa.edu
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|October 9, 2002
Summary
Training new communication requests (mands) alongside existing ones in functional communication training (FCT) reduced problem behaviors. However, children still preferred using established mands, which unfortunately led to more problem behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Functional communication training (FCT) is effective in reducing problem behavior.
- Mands are requests that function as verbal operants.
- The role of training novel versus existing mands in FCT requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of training novel mands versus existing mands during FCT.
- To assess the impact of mand training on problem behavior reduction.
- To evaluate response allocation between novel and existing mands under concurrent reinforcement conditions.
Main Methods:
- A functional analysis was conducted to identify mands for FCT.
- Novel and existing mands were trained under distinct stimulus conditions.
- A concurrent-operant design was used to assess mand allocation and problem behavior.
Main Results:
- Children demonstrated a preference for using existing mands over novel mands when both were reinforced.
- Higher levels of problem behavior were associated with the use of existing mands.
- Training novel mands did not fully displace the use of existing mands.
Conclusions:
- While FCT can reduce problem behavior, the preference for existing mands may persist.
- Further research is needed to optimize FCT protocols for maximizing the use of novel mands.
- Behavior analysts should consider the potential for continued problem behavior when existing mands are preferred.