Which design involves gradually changing the reinforcement criterion across phases to assess behavior change?

• A. Alternating Treatment
• B. Changing Criterion
• C. Reversal
• D. Withdrawal

Answer: (B)

Changing Criterion design tests whether a behavior changes in step with systematically raised (or lowered) reinforcement requirements across phases. By setting a sequence of criteria that must be met to earn reinforcement, you can see if the behavior tracks the changing target. If the behavior increases or decreases in line with each new criterion, that provides evidence that reinforcement is controlling the change. For example, to shape a student’s performance, you might start by requiring a small amount of work to earn reinforcement and then gradually raise the requirement in subsequent phases; a corresponding rise in performance across those phases indicates a functional relation between the criterion and the behavior. This approach focuses on gradual shaping through successive criteria, rather than comparing different treatments in alternating conditions or proving the effect by withdrawing or reversing the intervention.