Which procedure involves reinforcing a desirable alternative behavior and withholding reinforcement following instances of the problem behavior?

• A. Stimulus Generalization
• B. Differential Reinforcement of Alternate Behavior
• C. Valence of Behavior
• D. Functional Relation

Answer: (B)

The main idea is using differential reinforcement to shape, through reinforcement, a desirable alternative behavior while not reinforcing the problem behavior. In this approach, you identify an appropriate behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior and provide reinforcement for that alternative behavior. Meanwhile, reinforcement is withheld for the problem behavior, which helps reduce it over time. This combination directly increases the likelihood of the alternative behavior and decreases the unwanted one. For example, if a child shouts to gain attention, you reinforce speaking softly and raising a hand to request attention, while ignoring the shouting. Over time, the child learns that the hand-raise behavior produces the desired outcome, whereas shouting does not receive reinforcement.

Stimulus Generalization involves the spread of a response to new but similar stimuli, not a procedure for changing which behaviors are reinforced. Valence of Behavior isn’t a standard ABA procedure, and Functional Relation refers to the relationship between variables in an experiment, not a treatment protocol.