Abstract

MARSTELLER, Tonya M.  and  ST. PETER, Claire C.. Resurgence During Treatment Challenges. Rev. mex. anál. conducta [online]. 2012, vol.38, n.1, pp.7-23. ISSN 0185-4534.

Two experiments assessed resurgence during differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) implemented with two types of treatment challenges: reduced reinforcement rate for the alternative response and discontinuation of reinforcement for the alternative response. Experiment 1 involved a human-operant preparation with three participants to compare response rates across four conditions: baseline, in which a target response was reinforced; DRA, in which the target response was placed on extinction and an alternative response was reinforced; DRA omission errors, in which some earned reinforcers were not delivered, and extinction, in which reinforcers were not delivered. Resurgence occurred during DRA omission errors and extinction; however, response rates were higher during extinction. Experiment 2 replicated the procedure and results of the first experiment, but it took place during treatment of a child diagnosed with autism and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Keywords : differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA); extinction; resurgence; translational research; treatment integrity; treatment challenges.