The effects of reinforcement magnitude on functional analysis outcomes

The functional analysis methodology developed by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman (1982/1994) has been successfully used to identify the variables that maintain the problem behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities. However, in some cases, the results of functional analysis may be inconclusive. Altering parameters of reinforcement, such as the schedule, the quality, or magnitude of the reinforcer, may increase the likelihood of obtaining clear functional analysis results. Few studies have evaluated the effects of reinforcement magnitude on problem behavior even though basic findings indicate that this parameter may alter functional analysis outcomes. In fact, reinforcement magnitude has varied widely and appeared to be selected arbitrarily in most studies on functional analysis. In the current study, seven children with autism and/or developmental disabilities who engaged in severe problem behavior were exposed to three separate functional analyses: One with a small (3-s) reinforcement magnitude, one with a medium (20-s) reinforcement magnitude, and one with a large (120-s) reinforcement magnitude. Results of the three functional analyses were compared to determine if a particular reinforcement magnitude should be used to obtain the clearest outcomes. Overall, the same conclusion about the function (s) of each participant’s problem behavior was drawn regardless of the reinforcement magnitude. However, the medium reinforcement magnitude is recommended for use during functional analysis

Individualized Levels Treatment Packages for Severe Problem Behaviors in Persons With Developmental Disabilities.

Levels treatment packages are widely used across many populations and settings. Most packages involve standardized procedures implemented across multiple participants. The current investigation examined the treatment efficacy of individualized levels treatment packages based on the results of functional analyses and systematic preference assessments. Three individuals with developmental disabilities participated in the study. Destructive behaviors for each participant were maintained by positive reinforcement. For one participant, destructive behaviors were maintained by negative reinforcement as well. The levels treatment packages consisted of two or three levels in which the density of attention and access to preferred materials were altered based on the occurrence of destructive behaviors. For all three participants, the functional analysis based levels treatment packages were effective in decreasing destructive behaviors. A component analysis was conducted with one participant to determine the relative contributions of the reinforcement and time-out components. The results suggest that all components of the levels treatment package were necessary for it to be effective

A preference analysis of reinforcer variation, sequence, and choice

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Food Selectivity in Children with Autism: Guidelines for Assessment and Clinical Interventions

Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including sensory anomalies, feeding issues, and challenging behaviors. Children with ASD experience significantly more feeding problems than their peers. In fact, parents and clinicians have to manage daily the burden of various dysfunctional behaviors of children at mealtimes (food refusal, limited variety of food, single food intake, or liquid diet). These dysfunctional behaviors at mealtime depend on different factors that are either medical/sensorial or behavioral. Consequently, a correct assessment is necessary in order to program an effective clinical intervention. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with a guideline regarding food selectivity concerning possible explanations of the phenomenon, along with a direct/indirect assessment gathering detailed and useful information about target feeding behaviors. Finally, a description of evidence-based sensorial and behavioral strategies useful also for parent-mediated intervention is reported addressing food selectivity in children with ASD

Trends. The Shevardnadze Assassination Attempt: The Extinction of Extinction?

The author discusses the assassination attempt against Eduard Shevardnadze, President of Georgia

Trends. Terrorism in Algeria: The Psychology of Extinction

The author discusses political election tactics primarily in Algeria

Enhancing the effects of neurofeedback training: the motivational value of the reinforcers

The brain activity that is measured by electroencephalography (EEG) can be modified through operant conditioning, specifically using neurofeedback (NF). NF has been applied to several disorders claiming that a change in the erratic brain activity would be accompanied by a reduction of the symptoms. However, the expected results are not always achieved. Some authors have suggested that the lack of an adequate response may be due to an incorrect application of the operant conditioning principles. A key factor in operant conditioning is the use of reinforcers and their value in modifying behavior, something that is not always sufficiently taken into account. This work aims to clarify the relevance of the motivational value versus the purely informational value of the reinforcer. In this study, 113 subjects were randomly assigned two different reinforcer conditions: a selected reinforcer—the subjects subjectively selected the reinforcers—or an imposed reinforcer— the reinforcers were assigned by the experimenter—and both groups undertook NF sessions to enhance the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). In addition, the selected reinforcer group was divided into two subgroups: one receiving real NF and the other one sham NF. There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline in terms of SMR amplitude. After the intervention, only those subjects belonging to the selected reinforcer group and receiving real NF increased their SMR. Our results provide evidence for the importance of the motivational value of the reinforcer in Neurofeedback succes

Utility of the implementation of programmatic systems to reduce and eliminate restraint use for the treatment of problem behaviors with individuals with mental retardation

Persons with mental retardation continue to remain one of society’s most vulnerable groups as the number of individuals served increases and non-proportional resources are allotted to take of their needs. With results of national investigations indicating widespread indiscriminate abuse of restraints and overmedication to manage dangerous behaviors, federal mandates have been initiated to ensure ethical, safe and clinically sound use of these techniques. This study addressed the implementation of systemic changes that included a restraint education program and policy changes, careful monitoring and review of restraint and behavioral programming by oversight review bodies, and intense training of preventative and de-escalation techniques to all staff. A statistically and clinically significant reduction in restraints was evidences upon programmatic implementation during this 18-month study. Psychotropic medication use also decreased significantly as did polypharmacy use for persons with mental retardation. Results supported research noting that reduction of behavioral restraint does not result in an automatic increase in alternative highly restrictive management techniques. Further research is warranted to isolate specific elements of effective systemic change which weigh more heavily in the improvement of behavioral management for persons with mental retardation