Behavior Measurement & Reinforcement Principles

Behavioral Measurement Techniques

Understanding and accurately measuring behavior is fundamental in behavior analysis. These techniques allow for systematic data collection and analysis.

Continuous Measurement

Continuous measurement involves recording every instance of a behavior as it occurs over time, providing a complete picture of its occurrence.

• Frequency

  The total count of how many times a behavior occurred. Example: A client left their seat 5 times.

• Rate

  The ratio of the count of a behavior per observation time. Example: 4 kicks per 5 minutes equals 0.80 kicks per minute, or 80%.

• Duration (Temporal Extent)

  The total extent of time a behavior occurs. Example: Adding the seconds of total extent (35+26+24+65+30) equals 180 seconds, which is 3 minutes.

• Latency

  The length of time between a cue being provided and the behavior beginning. Example: Adding the seconds of total latency (60+90+35+50) equals 235 seconds. Divided by the total number of cues (4), this is 58.75 seconds to begin an assignment.

• Interresponse Time (IRT)

  The time between the end of one response and the beginning of another response.

Discontinuous Measurement

Discontinuous measurement involves recording behavior during specific intervals or moments, providing an estimate of behavior occurrence.

• Partial Interval

  Occurs if the behavior happens at least once during the interval.

• Whole Interval

  Occurs if the behavior happens throughout the entire interval.

• Momentary Time Sampling (MTS)

  Occurs if the behavior happens at the exact moment of observation.

Permanent Product

Measures the tangible items, completed tasks, or environmental effects resulting from a behavior. Example: Quiz scores, a completed grocery list, or a tidied room.

Reinforcement and Behavior Change

Reinforcement is a core principle in behavior analysis, used to increase the likelihood of desired behaviors.

Types of Reinforcement

• Positive Reinforcement

  The addition of a stimulus presented after a behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

• Negative Reinforcement

  The removal of a stimulus after a behavior, which strengthens the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

• Unconditioned Reinforcers

  Unlearned reinforcers that are naturally reinforcing and do not require prior learning. Example: Food, water, warmth, and sex.

• Conditioned Reinforcers

  Learned reinforcers that acquire their reinforcing properties through association with unconditioned reinforcers or other conditioned reinforcers. Example: Money.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Schedules of reinforcement dictate when and how often reinforcement is delivered, influencing the strength and persistence of behaviors.

Continuous Reinforcement

• Fixed Ratio 1 (FR1)

  Reinforcement is received after each correct response. This schedule is typically used when teaching new behaviors to ensure rapid acquisition.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Reinforcement varies from one opportunity to the next and is generally the most resistant to extinction, making behaviors more durable.

• Fixed Ratio (FR)

  Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses. Example: Every time Sara types 30 words, she earns a break from work.

• Variable Ratio (VR)

  Reinforcement is delivered after an average number of responses, making it unpredictable. Example: If Sara types an average of 30 words, she earns a break from work.

• Fixed Interval (FI)

  Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed amount of time has passed, provided the behavior occurs at least once. Example: For every 60 minutes Jacob practices the violin, he earns $1 from his parents.

• Variable Interval (VI)

  Reinforcement is delivered after an average amount of time has passed, making it unpredictable. Example: Jacob's parents place $1 in his piggy bank when he plays the violin for an average of 60 minutes per day.

Additional Behavioral Concepts

Beyond measurement and reinforcement, several other concepts are crucial for effective behavior intervention.

Motivating Operation (MO)

An event that temporarily alters the effectiveness of a reinforcer and the frequency of behavior that has been reinforced by that reinforcer. Examples:

• Satiation: When a reinforcer has been used too many times, it loses its effectiveness.
• Deprivation: When an individual has been deprived of a reinforcer, increasing its effectiveness.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

A method of teaching that breaks down skills into small, discrete components, taught individually and systematically, often with a clear beginning and end.

Differential Reinforcement Procedures

These procedures involve reinforcing specific behaviors while withholding reinforcement for others, to shape desired outcomes.

• Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)

  Increases a desired alternative behavior while decreasing an undesirable one. Example: A client will raise their hand before speaking to get attention, rather than shouting out.

• Differential Reinforcement of Lower Rates (DRL)

  Reduces the rate of a behavior that is acceptable at low rates but problematic at high rates. Example: A client will get a sticker for limiting the number of questions they ask during a specific period.

• Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)

  Eliminates a behavior by reinforcing the absence of that behavior for a specified period. Example: A client will get a sticker for each 15-minute interval during which a target undesirable behavior does not occur.

• Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)

  Substitutes an undesirable behavior with a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously. Example: A client will get a sticker every time an "inside voice" is used, which is incompatible with shouting"