Association for Behavior Analysis International

The purpose of this symposium is to highlight translational research from the framework of behavioral momentum theory. Behavioral momentum theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding how reinforcement controls fundamental aspects of operant behavior-response rate and persistence. According to behavioral momentum theory, the operant relation between responding and reinforcement impacts response rates. Furthermore, the Pavlovian relation between a discriminative-stimulus context and the rate of reinforcement obtained in the presence of that context determines the persistence, or resistance to change, of operant behavior. This symposium includes four presentations representing a range along the continuum of translational research. Two presentations assess basic questions involving differential reinforcement using animal models (Podlesnik, Craig), one extends the purview of behavioral momentum to relapse in applied settings (Mace), and the final presentation assesses the role of mand preference in determining persistence when using functional communication training (Wacker). All four presentations have a common focus toward highlighting the relevance of behavioral momentum theory to understanding how reinforcement processes influence outcomes of behavioral treatments.

Behavioral Momentum Theory (BMT) has inspired animal models of treatment relapse. We translated the models of reinstatement and resurgence into clinical procedures to test whether relapse tests would replicate behavior pattern found in basic research. Following multiple schedule baseline reinforcement of a 16 year-old male’s problem behavior at equal rates by two therapists, treatment was introduced using a variable-interval, variable-time (VI VT) schedule arrangement with therapists delivering reinforcers at different rates. Despite the differing rates of VI VT reinforcers, the treatment produced comparable reductions in problem behavior. Following successful treatment, the two therapists discontinued treatment and resumed reinforcement of problem behavior at equal rates that constituted a reinstatement of baseline conditions. As predicted by BMT, reinstatement resulted in an immediate return of high rates of problem behavior but was 2.6 times higher for the therapist using the higher rate VI VT treatment. A second treatment phase was implemented followed by a test of resurgence in a single extended extinction session conducted separately for each therapist. The unequal VI VT treatment rates by therapists resulted in 2.1 times greater responding in the resurgence test for the therapist who implemented the higher rate VI VT procedure.

The purpose of this 5 phase investigation was to evaluate the effects of mand preference on the persistence of manding. We present data from one participant (Evan) enrolled in the current investigation. Evan used signing (please) and a PODD book for expressive manding. Interobserver agreement (IOA) was calculated on at least 30% of each condition and averaged 98%. A functional analysis of problem behavior was first conducted within a multiple schedules design, and showed that Evan engaged in problem behavior maintained by access to tangible items. A mands proficiency assessment was next conducted within a multiple schedules design and showed that Evan was equally independent in signing and use of the PODD. A mands preference assessment was conducted next within a concurrent schedules design and showed Evans preference for signing over the PODD. Functional communication training for tangible items was next conducted within a multiple schedules design to establish similar reinforcement histories for signing and PODD use. Extinction was then implemented to measure the persistence of manding. Results showed that signing persisted more than PODD use, suggesting that preference for mands may interact with rate of reinforcement to increase persistence.