Behavior Trap
True or false: A behavior trap occurs when a behavior contacts reinforcement that naturally maintains the behavior over time.
True
What is an important reason RBT’s should collaborate with caregivers when creating behavior traps?
To ensure reinforcement occurs outside of therapy sessions (any appropriate answers)
If reinforcement is easy to obtain and meaningful to the individual, behavior is more likely to ____.
Increase
A student loves helping pass out papers. The teacher begins requiring the student to appropriately ask, "Can I help?" before being given the job. Over time, the student independently uses the phrase because helping is naturally reinforcing. How is this an example of a behavior trap?
The student's preferred activity (helping) naturally reinforces appropriate communication.
What are behavior patterns shaped by?
Responses that occur across all environments
Which of the following is an example of effective collaboration when creating behavior traps?
The caregiver and RBT work together to identify preferred activities and natural learning opportunities.
True or False: People are more likely to repeat responses that work immediately.
A child asks for a stuffed animal toy at the store & when mom tells them "No", they throw a tantrum, throwing themself on the ground & wailing. Mom is starting to get embarrassed & everyone is looking at them so she buys the toy anyway to make the child stop. What is the behavior trap?
The child learns that if they engage in a tantrum they can get things that they want. The parent’s behavior is also reinforced because giving in immediately stops the screaming and further public embarrassment.
True or false: A behavior trap should manipulate a client into activities they strongly dislike.
False
How does teaching functional communication help decrease behavior traps?
Teaches children to communicate their needs appropriately & can replace inappropriate behavior with effective communication. Communication becomes more effective than the problem behavior. (any appropriate answer)
Reinforcement should be:
Immediate, consistent, easy to access, meaningful to the individual (any appropriate answer)
A student appropriately raises their hand to ask a question, but the teacher does not call on them until 15 minutes later. What reinforcement mistake occurred?
Reinforcement was delayed, making it harder for the student to connect the behavior with the outcome.
This term describes situations where a problem behavior is accidentally strengthened over time.
A problematic behavior trap
How can caregivers help identify effective behavior traps for a child?
By sharing information about the child's interests, routines, and preferred activities
By identifying natural opportunities for learning at home and in the community
By providing feedback on what strategies are working outside of therapy sessions
Any appropriate answer
Why is immediate reinforcement important when teaching new skills?
It helps the learner connect the behavior to the consequence and increases the likelihood the behavior will occur again.
A teacher asks the student to pick up their toys if they are done playing since the student started playing with puzzles. The student says "No" so the teacher makes them stop playing. The student begins swiping the puzzles onto the floor & flopping on the ground. The teacher tells the student to go take a break in the calm down corner & the teacher begins picking up the toys and the puzzles. What is the behavior trap?
The student’s goal was to get out of cleaning up their toys so by getting sent to the break corner, they succeeded in avoiding the demand that was presented. In turn, this also reinforces their behavior of property destruction and tantrum.
What are some reasons that caregivers and stakeholders are more susceptible to behavior traps?
Busy group settings, social pressure, safety concerns, stress/overwhelmed, managing multiple responsibilities, limited time/supports, caring for multiple kids, etc. (any appropriate answer)
Why is collaboration between teachers and behavior technicians important when implementing behavior traps in the classroom?
It helps ensure behavior traps are embedded into natural classroom routines and used consistently throughout the day.
If a behavior consistently results in getting access to an item, out of something, etc. the client may…
Escalate more quickly when demands are presented, access is denied, aversive stimuli is presented (any appropriate answer)
A child appropriately asks for help with a difficult assignment. Instead of helping, the teacher tells the child to figure it out on their own. What opportunity was missed?
Appropriate communication was not reinforced, making it less likely to occur in the future.