A method for evaluating parameters of reinforcement during parent-child interactions.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Developmental disabilities research
• Applied behavior analysis

Background:

• Problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities is often maintained by reinforcement.
• Previous research primarily focused on rate and probability of reinforcement.
• A comprehensive understanding of reinforcement requires examining multiple dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify reinforcers for problem behavior in three individuals with developmental disabilities.
• To evaluate the rate, probability, delay, and duration of reinforcement for both problem and appropriate behaviors.
• To explore the interaction between different reinforcement parameters.

Main Methods:

• Functional analysis to identify reinforcers for problem behavior.
• Descriptive parent-child observations to assess reinforcement parameters.
• Analysis of rate, probability, delay, and duration of reinforcement.

Main Results:

• Parameters of reinforcement, including rate, probability, delay, and duration, may interact.
• Evaluating a single reinforcement parameter may be insufficient to describe response allocation.
• Reinforcement dimensions beyond rate and probability are important.

Conclusions:

• A multidimensional approach to analyzing reinforcement is necessary.
• This study moves towards a method for analyzing broader reinforcer dimensions in descriptive analysis.
• Understanding the interplay of reinforcement parameters is key for effective interventions.