Comparing Main and Collateral Effects of Extinction and Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior

• Other Authors: Petscher, Erin Seligson (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-1976

Both extinction (EXT) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) have been used frequently to reduce problem behaviors. The benefits of these interventions have been established yet may be outweighed by the reported negative side effects that result. However, these collateral effects have rarely been measured or reported. This study evaluated the effects and collateral effects of these interventions with inappropriate vocalizations and work refusal. With the four participants whose target behavior was inappropriate vocalizations, DRA produced the most rapid reductions in behavior. For the fifth participant, whose target behavior was work refusal, EXT yielded the quickest reduction. Other behaviors were measured for changes, and showed that the desirable collateral effect of academic engagement tended to be higher during EXT than DRA. No evidence of extinction bursts was present with any participant, although extinction-induced aggression occurred with one participant. === A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Psychology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy. === Summer Semester, 2006. === June 23, 2006. === Side Effects, Aggression, Behavior Analysis, Extinction, Differential Reinforcement, Collateral Effects === Includes bibliographical references. === Jon S. Bailey, Professor Directing Dissertation; Bruce Thyer, Outside Committee Member; Barbara Licht, Committee Member; Mark Licht, Committee Member; Thomas Welsh, Committee Member.