Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2025
07:36
An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime
Published on: May 3, 2016
8.6K
Increasing young children's honest reports and decreasing their transgressions.
Robert K Lehardy1, Kevin C Luczynski1, Corey S Stocco2
1Integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|November 17, 2022
Summary
This study shows that reinforcing honest reports and alternative play behaviors can decrease lying and rule-breaking in children, including those with autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Childhood Development
Background:
- Young children frequently lie about rule-breaking (transgressions).
- Adolescent lying is linked to negative social outcomes like reduced trust and poor relationships.
- Understanding and intervening in childhood dishonesty is crucial for healthy social development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decrease lying in children by reinforcing honest reports of transgressions.
- To further reduce transgressions by reinforcing alternative play behaviors.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in neurotypical children and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Main Methods:
- Applied differential reinforcement of honest reports for transgressions in one neurotypical child and two children with ASD.
- Subsequently, differential reinforcement of alternative play behaviors was used to decrease transgressions.
- Interventions were conducted with 6- and 7-year-old children.
Main Results:
- All children learned to report transgressions honestly.
- Following the intervention, children showed increased play behaviors, decreased transgressions, and maintained honest reporting.
- Caregivers reported satisfaction with the observed improvements in honesty and behavior.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcing honest reporting is an effective first step in addressing childhood dishonesty.
- Subsequent reinforcement of alternative behaviors successfully reduces transgressions.
- This two-step approach is effective for both neurotypical children and those with autism spectrum disorder, leading to positive outcomes for families.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.3K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.3K
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
108
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
108
01:28Conduct Disorder
99
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
99
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
64
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
64
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
100
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
100
02:04Bullying
8.5K
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is...
8.5K