Reinforcement: Replacement behaviors vs desired behaviors

Reinforcement: Replacement behaviors vs desired behaviors

Reinforcement is

something that HAPPENS, directly AFTER a behavior, that makes the behavior happen more often over time

Is it reinforcement? Ask yourself:

• Is it something observable that happens?

• Does it immediately follow a behavior?

• Does it give the same thing problem behavior gets?

Let's review a few examples

When the student raises the "I need help" card, the teacher comes over and says "sure, let's see..." then provides help. The function of problem behavior is to get attention.

• Is it an observable change? YES. The teacher can be seen moving and talking

• Does it directly follow a behavior? YES. It comes right after the student raises the card.

• Does it match the function of problem behavior? YES. The use of the card is followed by attention.

When the student says "I need a break" the teacher says "good job asking, but I need you to do this on your own". Problem behavior functions to avoid work.

• Is it an observable change? YES. I can see and hear the teacher praising the behavior.

• Does it directly follow a behavior? YES. It occurs right after the student requests a break.

• Does it match problem behavior function? NO. It does not allow avoidance of work so this is not reinforcement.

The student will learn to self-regulate emotions and advocate for their needs. Problem behavior functions to gain teacher attention.

• Is it an observable change? NO. This describes a broad goal, not a specific action.

• Does it directly follow a behavior? NO. There is no specific behavior that triggers the observable change.

• Does it match the function of problem behavior? NO, it is not a change, it is not following a behavior, and is not functional. Not a reinforcer

In closing

Reinforcement is a THING you DO OR GIVE directly FOLLOWING a behavior. If it is not a specific thing you are doing/saying, it does not follow a specific behavior, it IS NOT reinforcement.

If it is those two things, WHAT IT DOES OR GIVES should be the same as the outcome of problem behavior.

Now lets talk about the difference between replacement behavior and desired behavior

Replacement behavior

• Something the student can do right now

• Gets the exact same outcome as problem behavior, just as quickly

• Is within, or directly adjacent to, the skills the currently have

• For example, if they are covering their ears and screaming during lunch what they can do RIGHT NOW that also blocks noise IMMEDIATELY is say "headphones please"

Desired behavior

• The appropriate adaptive response of age typical peers in that situation

• A long term goal, that would require lots of teaching and support

• May access similar types of reinforcement, but usually delayed

• For example: The student will learn to tolerate louder environments, bring their own headphones with them, and incorporate other strategies (such as moving away from the source of noise, or politely asking for a break) to be able to participate in their environment and enjoy access to a broader variety of activities

Multiple Choice

Which one is the replacement behavior for grabbing the ipad?

• Signing "my turn"

• Waiting until it is their turn appropriately

Multiple Choice

Which one is the replacement for eloping to the social worker's office?

• Tolerating class for a full 30 minutes, and waiting until the social worker is available to be seen

• Raising a "flash pass" to go to the social workers office

Multiple Choice

Which one is the replacement behavior for putting head down and refusing to speak when corrected by the teacher?

• Saying, "can you give me a minute?"

• Learning to incorporate both negative and positive feedback, and using coping strategies to remain calm and focused when a mistake has ben made

Multiple Choice

Which is the replacement behavior for waving the juice box in the teachers face?

• Tapping the teacher on the shoulder, then handing him the juice box

• Acquiring the motor skills to independently open a juice box

Once you are clear on the difference between

replacement behavior (easy, NOW) and desired behavior (complex, LATER)...

You'll know its reinforcement of replacement behavior if it is a thing that happens right after replacement behavior.

If it is not a specific thing and follow right after replacement behavior, its not reinforcement for replacement behavior.

Hope it helps!

If it is still not clear let me know and we can schedule a time to chat about it.