The Impact of Teaching Multiple Responses on Resurgence of Target Behavior and Persistence of Alternative Responding

This study evaluated the effects of teaching multiple alternative responses on the resurgence of a target response and the persistence of an alternative response in an applied setting. Using a between-participants design, we examined how teaching multiple alternative responses impacted resurgence and persistence upon exposure to extinction. Additionally, we investigated the role of preference in response allocation and shifts in participant preference following extinction. Results indicated resurgence across both conditions, with no consistent difference in severity between single and multiple alternative response conditions. However, within-session analyses revealed greater persistence of the alternative response for participants taught multiple alternative responses, suggesting potential benefits for sustained engagement. Future researchers should continue to investigate the role of preference, as teaching order may have impacted findings. Despite mixed findings, this study provides valuable insights into clinical strategies for promoting alternative responding. While teaching multiple alternative responses may not prevent resurgence, it may enhance communication flexibility, particularly when certain responses become unavailable.