Behavioral Contrast: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Recent developments in applied behavior analysis (ABA) have sought to refine and expand upon traditional behavioral principles. One intriguing area of exploration is behavioral contrast, a phenomenon where changes in reinforcement schedules or environmental conditions can lead to unexpected shifts in behavior. This discussion will delve into the concept of behavioral contrast, examining a recent study that explores practitioner experiences with this phenomenon.
Behavioral contrast refers to the tendency for behavior to increase in one situation when reinforcement is reduced or removed in another related situation. For example, a child who receives frequent praise for completing homework might exhibit a decrease in homework completion if praise is withheld, but an increase in other behaviors, such as playing video games, which were previously less reinforced. This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between reinforcement contingencies and behavioral responses.
A recent study by Boyle, Uribe-Zarain, and Powell (2018) investigated practitioner experiences with behavioral contrast. The researchers conducted an online survey of ABA practitioners, asking them to describe instances where they observed behavioral contrast in their work with clients. The findings revealed that practitioners frequently encountered behavioral contrast, particularly when implementing changes in reinforcement schedules or environmental contexts. Practitioners reported that understanding and managing behavioral contrast was crucial for effective intervention planning and implementation.
The study by Boyle et al. (2018) aligns with the core principles of applied behavior analysis, which emphasize the importance of understanding and manipulating environmental factors to influence behavior. ABA practitioners strive to identify and modify reinforcement contingencies to promote desired behaviors and reduce problematic ones. Behavioral contrast, as highlighted in this study, underscores the need for careful consideration of the broader context in which interventions are implemented.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment and adjustment of interventions. As practitioners gain experience with behavioral contrast, they can develop more effective strategies for predicting and managing its effects. This aligns with the ABA emphasis on data-driven decision making and continuous improvement in intervention design.
References
Boyle, M. A., Uribe-Zarain, X., & Powell, A. M. (2022). Behavioral contrast: An exploratory survey of practitioner experiences. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(2), 347-357. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1022
Staddon, J. E. R. (2021). The new behaviorism: Foundations of behavioral science. Routledge.
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PS558 Unit 7 Discussion.
Recent Developments in Applied Behavior Analysis
From Watson’s declaration of the importance of a behavioral approach in psychology to Skinner’s development of radical behaviorism to the present day, applied analysis has grown and expanded in both theory and application. This week, you are learning about some more recent developments in and applications of applied behavior analysis. For this discussion, review all of the assigned readings and choose one theory or development presented in the readings which interests you. Then go to the Purdue Global Library and find one article from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis that describes an application of that area in a research study or research review. Be sure the article you choose is no more than 5–10 years old.
Please respond to the following:
First, briefly describe the area of interest that you are exploring.
Next, present a brief overview of the article you chose to review.
Finally, using your sources throughout the course, describe why (or why not) the article you reviewed supports the specific goals and dimensions of applied behavior analysis that have been examined throughout the course.
The new behaviorism: Foundations of behavioral science (Staddon, 2021):
Chapter 11 – Free Will, Behaviorism, and Utopia
Chapter 13 – Behaviorism and Mental Life
Chapter 14 – Cognitivism and the New Behaviorism
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Behavioral contrast: An exploratory survey of practitioner
experiences. Megan A. Boyle | Ximena Uribe-Zarain | Ann M. Powell. DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1022
Make sure to use at least 2 references.
