Previous studies have focused on whether a trial-based functional analysis (FA) yields the same outcomes as more traditional FAs, and whether interventions based on trial-based FAs can reduce socially maintained problem behavior. We included a full range of behavior functions and taught 3 teachers to conduct a trial-based FA with 3 boys with developmental and intellectual disabilities who engaged in problem behavior. Based on the results of the trial-based FAs, we developed and conducted 5 function-based interventions, using differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior and extinction in all but 1 case. In the remaining case, we used noncontingent reinforcement. All interventions led to reductions in problem behavior and increases in alternative behavior.

Failure to reinforce appropriate behavior could result in resurgence of previously extinguished problem behavior and degradation of previously effective treatments such as differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA). We analyzed arbitrary responses (i.e., switch flipping) exhibited by 3 adults with developmental disabilities to compare the effect of a traditional DRA intervention against the effect of a serial DRA intervention on the magnitude of target response resurgence using a 2-component multiple schedule. The target response served as an analogue to problem behavior, and alternative responses served as analogues to socially appropriate alternative responses. In all cases, the percentage of total responding allocated toward target response resurgence was less in the serial DRA component than in the traditional DRA component. Furthermore, we observed both reversion and recency for 2 of 3 subjects. Our data provide preliminary evidence suggesting that serial DRA may produce more durable and desirable outcomes than traditional DRA.

Several techniques have been used in applied research as controls for the introduction of a reinforcement contingency, including extinction, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). Little research, however, has examined the relative strengths and limitations of these “reversal” controls. We compared the effects of extinction with those of NCR and DRO in both multielement and reversal designs, with respect to (a) rate and amount of response decrement, (b) rate of response recovery following reintroduction of reinforcement, and (c) any positive or negative side effects associated with transitions. Results indicated that extinction generally produced the most consistent and rapid reversal effects, with few observed negative side effects.

We conducted descriptive observations of 5 individuals with developmental disabilities and severe problem behavior while they interacted with their caregivers in either simulated environments (an inpatient hospital facility) or in their homes. The focus of the study was on caregiver reprimands and child problem behavior. Thus, we compared the frequency of problem behavior that immediately preceded a caregiver reprimand to that immediately following a caregiver reprimand, and the results showed that the frequency of problem behavior decreased following a reprimand. It is possible that caregiver reprimands are negatively reinforced by the momentary attenuation of problem behavior, and the implications for long- and short-term effects on caregiver behavior are discussed.

Functional communication training (FCT) is commonly used to eliminate problem behavior. Not surprisingly, the efficacy of the intervention depends on fidelity to programmed procedures. For instance, problem behavior is likely to resurge if caregivers fail to reinforce mands during the maintenance stages of FCT. Despite this, recent translational work on arbitrary human responses suggests that incorporating multiple‐mand instruction into a serial‐training format may increase the probability of a recency effect, and a reversion of response resurgence (both desirable outcomes when mands are the most recently reinforced responses prior to extinction). Although promising, this effect has not been replicated with socially significant human behavior. Thus, we compared the relative effect of traditional FCT with that of serial FCT on the resurgence of the problem behavior, and mands, of 2 children. In contrast to previous research, we observed primacy effects for both subjects (i.e., the magnitude of the resurgence of problem behavior was greater than it was for any subsequently trained mand), and mand resurgence never occurred for one subject. Notwithstanding these limitations, the percentage of total responding allocated toward the resurgence of problem behavior was less in the serial FCT component relative to the traditional FCT component, and we observed a reversion of response resurgence for one subject.