Vollmer, T. R., Progar, P. R., Lalli, J. S., Van Camp, C. M., Sierp, B. J., Wright, C. S., Nastasi, J., & Eisenschink, K. J. (1998).
Fixed-time schedules attenuate extinction-induced phenomena in the treatment of severe aberrant behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 529-542.
We compared the effects of extinction (EXT) and fixed-time (FT)
schedules as treatment for severe problem behavior displayed by 3
individuals with developmental disabilities. First, functional
analyses identified the reinforcers maintaining aberrant behavior
for all 3 individuals. Next, EXT and FT schedules were compared
using a multielement design. During EXT, the reinforcer
maintaining problem behavior was withheld. During FT, the
reinforcers were presented response independently at preset
intervals. Results showed that FT schedules were generally more
effective than EXT schedules in reducing aberrant behavior. FT
schedules may be used in situations when extinction-induced
phenomena are problematic.
DESCRIPTORS: fixed-time schedules, extinction, noncontingent
reinforcement, self-injury, aggression, functional analysis