Borrero, J. C., & Vollmer, T. R. (2002).
An application of the matching law to severe problem behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
35, 13-27.
We evaluated problem behavior and appropriate behavior using the
matching equation with 4 individuals with developmental
disabilities. Descriptive observations were conducted during
interactions between the participants and their primary care
providers in either a clinical laboratory environment (3
participants) or the participant's home (1 participant). Data
were recorded on potential reinforcers, problem behavior, and
appropriate behavior. After identifying the reinforcers that
maintained each participant's problem behavior by way of
functional analysis, the descriptive data were analyzed
retrospectively, based on the matching equation. Results showed
that the proportional rate of problem behavior relative to
appropriate behavior approximately matched the proportional rate
of reinforcement for problem behavior for all participants. The
results extend prior research because a functional analysis was
conducted and because multiple sources of reinforcement (other
than attention) were evaluated. Methodological constraints were
identified, which may limit the application of the matching law
on both practical and conceptual levels.
DESCRIPTORS: _matching, descriptive analysis, severe problem
behavior, functional analysis