If you asked for a break at work and were told 'no,' would that mean you're no longer wanted a break? If your debit card didn't work at the grocery store when buying dinner, would that mean you're no longer hungry?
Behaviors contact extinction (i.e., reinforcement is blocked, unavailable, etc.) all the time, but that doesn't mean the motivation is also extinguished.
The same can be said for problem behaviors in which clients engage. And as we look to block those behaviors from contacting reinforcement, we would be doing our clients a disservice in neglecting the motivating variables that remain.
This month's Research Bites center around a familiar intervention, researched and used for decades, designed to teach functional replacement behaviors.
Enter: Functional Communication Training (FCT)
Used as an interventionapproach, FCT is a two-step process when it comes to implementation.
- Identify the function of challenging behavior
- Identify an appropriate alternative behavior to reinforce, based on the (hypothesized) function of the challenging behavior
Carr & Durand (1985) first explored functional responses using vocal behavior as the replacement for behaviors targeted for reduction. In the decades that followed, researchers have explored other forms of communicative behavior aimed to replace problematic responding.
A simple response that's low effort and requires zero assistance to demonstrate are among the important considerations when selecting alternative forms of communication.
Another thought to ponder: could there be more than oneresponsemode that does the trick?
Taking FCT programming to the next level
Robust research currently shows that individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities demonstrate a preference for how to communicate.
Presented in two parts, Dr. Joel Ringdahl recently shared his latest research on FCT, preferred responses, and how resistance to change is affected as a result. Effects of Response Preference on Resistance to Change evaluated the impact of response preferences on persistence, in both groups with and without a history of reinforcement for problem behavior. Results indicated the response forms that persisted were those that were most highly preferred.
In addition to offering promising outcomes, incorporating individual preference in treatment can enhance social validity. It also aligns with the core foundational principles that create the framework for ethical standards in the field of behavior analysis.
Interested in learning more?
Until next time,
The Quick Crew Review:
1) Save the date! The 2nd Annual Virtual Behavior Technician Conference is coming up on Saturday, May 3rd. Reserve your seat and register now.
2) Need Supervision Training? Check out BU's 8-hour course for BCBA supervisors here.
