Behavior change is something that is most often referred to in the world of ABA. More and more, I have been seeing BCBAs and RBTs in the school settings. Strategies that are based on the science of human behavior are being implemented within classrooms, both in general education and special education! This is amazing to me! As someone who started out as a special education teacher, I quickly became more interested in ABA and the science. Throughout my continuing education and trainings from The Autism Helper, I am happy to say that the amazing world of ABA is making its way more noticeable in school settings. In this post, I will discuss the hot topic of punishment versus reinforcement, specifically regarding a public school setting.
Behavior modification is a type of behavior therapy. B. F. Skinner demonstrated that behavior could be shaped through reinforcement and/or punishment. Skinner noted that a reinforcer is a consequence that increases the likelihood of behavior to occur. Behavior modification focuses on changing specific behaviors. In order to implement strategies and interventions successfully, the behaviors identified within this process need to be operational, measurable, and observable. Through the process of an FBA (functional behavior assessment) and BIP (behavior intervention plan), the team will be able to track the reinforcement strategies and the decrease or increase of the behaviors when they all align and are purposeful.
Punishment
The goal of punishment is to discourage unexpected behavior (s). There are no clear alternatives when punishment is being used, which can confusing for a learner. Punishment is also discouraged when it is used to instill fear in a learner, which is not at all best practice. When punishment such as time outs, spankings, or removal of preferred items is used at home, the child may be witnessing behavior that is not the best regulation or calming strategy.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement rewards and encourages the replacement behaviors or behaviors that we want to see. Praise and positive reinforcement are typically more effective than punishment. Reinforcement shows the learner what is expected, and punishment isn’t always clear. Through the science of human behavior, we also learn that reinforcement increases the liklihood of a behavior to occur again, and punishment may change behavior quicker, but doesn’t consistently last. Using reinforcement strategies will help the team and the learner focus on increasing a desired behavior whereas punishment focuses on reducing the unexpected behavior, which reinforcement is more likely than not to be recommended.
No matter which approach is being used, the replacement behavior must always be taught and consistency in the strategy is key.
Tips to remember
Remember that positive and negative are also used during math. Positive is when something is being added, and negative is taking away. From my courses in ABA and my experience within the school system, I am able to remember that:
- Negative reinforcement is removing a stimulus as the consequence
- Positive punishment is the addition of an adverse consequence
- Negative punishment is taking away reinforcing consequences
- Positive reinforcement is adding a reinforcing item as the consequence
There are several schedules of reinforcement that can impact behavior. These will be in another post!
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