Functional communication training during reinforcement schedule thinning: An analysis of 25 applications.
Two principal goals of functional communication training (FCT) are (a) to eliminate destructive behavior and (b) to establish a more acceptable, yet functionally equivalent, communication response (FCR). A related and critically important goal is to thin the schedule of reinforcement for the FCR to levels that can be reasonably managed by caregivers. Researchers have described several approaches to thinning FCT reinforcement schedules. We summarize the results of 25 consecutive applications (among 20 cases) in which schedule-thinning procedures employed discriminative stimuli to signal when the FCR would and would not produce reinforcement (i.e., using multiple schedules, response restriction, or chained schedules). Results suggest that schedule-thinning procedures that use discriminative stimuli can maintain the effectiveness of FCT while they minimize the need for punishment or other supplemental procedures.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE-MEYER INSTITUTE.
Brian D
BD
Greer
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE-MEYER INSTITUTE.
Wayne W
WW
Fisher
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE-MEYER INSTITUTE.
Valdeep
V
Saini
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE-MEYER INSTITUTE.
Todd M
TM
Owen
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE-MEYER INSTITUTE.
Jamie K
JK
Jones
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
destructive behavior; functional communication training; multiple schedules; reinforcement schedule thinning