Interventions Packages for Reducing Inappropriate Behaviors including Noncontingent Reinforcement
Patty Romano
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Education
Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Faculty Research Mentor: Randi Sarokoff
Abstract:
Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR) is an effective antecedent strategy used to reduce severe problem behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NCR involves providing reinforcement that is not contingent on a specific behavior. For example, a child may receive a break every 20 min regardless of their behavior. This intervention utilizes reinforcement on a fixed or variable time schedule throughout the day. The purpose of the current study was to determine the extent to which intervention packages that included NCR are being implemented by professionals in the field. A survey was developed by the author using the literature review as a guideline for formulating questions about various procedures. It consisted of 19 questions focused on evidence-based procedures and whether participants had experience using NCR in different intervention packages. If a participant indicated they had used a particular intervention, they were prompted to rate its perceived effectiveness on a Likert scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being "not effective" and 4 being "highly effective." Participants in this study were staff members at a private applied behavior analysis (ABA) school in New Jersey. The electronic survey was distributed by the school's Executive Director to her staff. Those who had experience using the procedures were invited to take the survey. Anticipated results suggest that many, though not all, intervention packages identified as effective in the literature are currently being used by practicing clinicians. Furthermore, it is expected that clinicians will perceive the intervention packages they have used as effective in reducing inappropriate behavior.