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Differential Reinforcement of Low Rate Schedules Reduce Severe Problem Behavior
Andrew C Bonner1, John C Borrero2
11 University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Behavior Modification
|September 20, 2017
Summary
Full-session differential reinforcement of low rates (f-DRL) effectively reduced severe problem behaviors in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study demonstrates f-DRL
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities Research
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) schedules are used to decrease response rates.
- Full-session DRL (f-DRL) involves reinforcement for maintaining a response rate below a criterion.
- Previous research shows f-DRL effectively reduces arbitrary and classroom behaviors but has limited success with severe problem behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the full-session differential reinforcement of low rates (f-DRL) schedule.
- To examine the effects of f-DRL on severe problem behaviors in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Four participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities exhibiting severe problem behaviors were included.
- The full-session differential reinforcement of low rates (f-DRL) procedure was implemented.
- A contingency strength analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between behavior and reinforcement.
Main Results:
- The f-DRL procedure significantly reduced severe problem behaviors in all four participants.
- Clinically significant reductions in target problem behaviors were observed.
- A strong negative contingency was found between problem behavior and reinforcer delivery.
Conclusions:
- Full-session differential reinforcement of low rates (f-DRL) is an effective intervention for reducing severe problem behaviors.
- This intervention shows promise for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The findings support the use of f-DRL in applied settings for severe behavior reduction.
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