The effects of response efficiency on functionally equivalent competing behaviors.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Functional equivalence training aims to reduce problem behaviors by teaching socially appropriate alternatives.
• This approach relies on identifying the function of problem behaviors and teaching skills that serve the same function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of response efficiency in the success of functional equivalence training.
• To examine how physical effort, schedule of reinforcement, and time delay impact the effectiveness of taught alternative behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Three experiments were conducted, each involving a functional assessment of problem behaviors.
• A socially appropriate alternative response was taught, but initially made less efficient on one variable (effort, schedule, or delay).
• A more efficient alternative behavior was later introduced if the initial one was unsuccessful.

Main Results:

• The initially taught, less efficient alternative behaviors did not effectively compete with problem behaviors.
• A more efficient alternative behavior was required for successful competition with problem behaviors.
• Response efficiency significantly influences the efficacy of functional equivalence training.

Conclusions:

• Response efficiency is a critical factor in functional equivalence training.
• Applied behavior analysis must consider response efficiency when conducting functional assessments and designing interventions.
• Understanding response covariation is enhanced by considering efficiency variables.