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Multiple schedules in practical application: Research trends and implications for future investigation.
Valdeep Saini1, Scott A Miller1, Wayne W Fisher1
1The University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|March 19, 2016
Summary
Multiple schedules are effective in behavior analysis for promoting appropriate behaviors and managing problem behaviors. This review offers best practice guidelines and future research directions for applied behavior analysts using multiple schedules.
Area of Science:
- Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Multiple schedules were initially studied in basic laboratories.
- Recent advances have expanded their use to socially significant applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the empirical literature on multiple schedules.
- Recommend best practice guidelines for applied behavior analysts.
- Identify the generality and boundaries of current knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic search of the applied literature on multiple schedules.
- Reviewed 31 studies encompassing 147 applications.
- Critically analyzed existing research.
Main Results:
- Multiple schedules effectively promote stimulus control over appropriate behaviors.
- They are used to thin reinforcement schedules after functional communication training.
- Multiple schedules help obtain stimulus control over problem behaviors maintained by automatic reinforcement.
Conclusions:
- Multiple schedules are a versatile tool in applied behavior analysis.
- The review provides evidence-based recommendations for practitioners.
- Future research should address identified gaps in the literature.
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