Functions of Behavior
Name one function of behavior.
Attention, Escape, Access to Tangibles, Sensory.
True or False - Reinforcement always means giving a reward.
False. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, even if it’s not a reward.
True or False. It is important to first identify what the reinforcer is before implementing an extinction procedure?
True. You must identify what is "making the behavior happen"
What does frequency data measure?
How many times a behavior occurs.
Why are clear routines important?
They help students know what to expect and reduce problem behaviors.
A student throws a pencil to get out of a math worksheet. What function?
Escape
What type of reinforcement is giving a student extra recess for finishing work?
Positive reinforcement.
What often happens to a behavior before it decreases with extinction?
It gets worse first (extinction burst).
What does duration data measure?
How long a behavior lasts.
Give two examples of a positive reinforcement strategy in the classroom.
Token board, praise, class rewards, snacks, extra free time.
A student hums to themselves because they like the sound. What function?
Sensory/Automatic
What type of reinforcement is removing a hard worksheet when a student asks for a break?
Negative reinforcement.
What is it called when a behavior reappears briefly after extinction?
Spontaneous recovery.
What does ABC data stand for?
Antecedent, Behavior & Consequence
What is a proactive strategy teachers can use before behaviors happen?
Visual schedules, clear expectations, structured seating, offer choices.
A student sometimes yells out to get attention and other times to avoid work. What does this show?
The same behavior can serve more than one function.
Which type of reinforcement schedule is hardest to extinguish?
Intermittent reinforcement.
What is extinction?
Withholding reinforcement for challenging behaviors
Why is collecting accurate data important?
It helps us understand why behavior happens and measure progress.
What is one way to de-escalate a student in the moment?
Stay calm, give space, use a quiet voice, provide time to process.
Why is identifying the correct function of behavior important?
Because it helps us create the right intervention and avoid reinforcing problem behavior.
Give one school example of noncontingent reinforcement.
Scheduled attention breaks, access to their favorite toys or materials at set times, a scheduled sensory break.
True or False. Behaviors maintained on intermittent schedules of reinforcement are more resistant to extinction?
True. Behaviors that are sometimes reinforced are harder to extinguish.
True or False - You should only collect data when problem behaviors happen.
False. Collecting data on appropriate behaviors is important too.
Why is teaching replacement behaviors important?
Because students need a positive way to get their needs met instead of problem behavior.