Questions and Answers
What is a behavior function?
How a behavior is used to meet the reinforcement needs of the person exhibiting it; the purpose of a behavior.
Functions of behavior can be classified in several ways, including social vs _____________
What does SEAT stand for?
Mary and Murray could be exhibiting the exact same behavior at the exact same time in the exact same setting for totally different functions.
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Multi-function behaviors do not really exist.
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For a reinforcer to be positive, it must:
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Shared enjoyment of an activity is considered attention.
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Reprimands can function as positive reinforcement.
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When people engage in behaviors that function to get access to "stuff," the function is:
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I scream at my friend and he leaves. The next time I want him to leave, I scream at him again. What process of reinforcement is at work?
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When a behavior is said to lead to escape or avoidance of tasks, the reinforcement category is:
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Anthony walks an extra three blocks so he will not run into his ex-girlfriend on his way to work. This is an __________________ behavior.
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Automatic reinforcement is reinforcement delivered noncontingently.
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Automatic reinforcement is usually related to ___________________ behaviors.
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Problematic self-stimulatory behavior is often also categorized as:
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Stereotypical behaviors sometimes include objects.
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People with severe intellectual disabilities who engage in self-injurious behavior are usually trying to commit suicide.
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Behaviors that have a sensory function are always reinforced via automatic positive reinforcement.
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Study Notes
Functions of Behavior
- Behavior function refers to how a behavior fulfills the reinforcement needs of the individual performing it, serving a specific purpose.
Classification of Behavior Functions
- Functions of behavior can be categorized as social or automatic, with automatic behaviors not requiring social interaction.
SEAT Acronym
- SEAT stands for Sensory, Escape, Attention, and Tangibles, highlighting different categories of behavior functions.
Individual Behavior Interpretation
- Identical behaviors can occur simultaneously in the same context but serve different functions for different individuals.
Existence of Multi-function Behaviors
- Multi-function behaviors do exist, meaning that a single behavior can serve multiple purposes.
Positive Reinforcement
- For a reinforcer to be considered positive, it must involve adding a stimulus to the environment—increasing the likelihood of repeated behavior.
Attention through Shared Enjoyment
- Shared enjoyment of an activity qualifies as attention, reinforcing the behavior further.
Reprimands as Reinforcement
- Reprimands can serve as positive reinforcement, encouraging behaviors despite seeming negative.
Access to Tangibles
- Engaging in behaviors to obtain tangible items falls under the function termed access to tangibles.
Social Negative Reinforcement
- Screaming to get a friend to leave illustrates social negative reinforcement, where behavior is reinforced by the removal of a person.
Escape or Avoidance
- Behaviors leading to escape or avoidance from tasks are categorized under social negative reinforcement, allowing the individual to evade unwanted activities.
Avoidance Behavior Example
- Walking extra blocks to avoid encountering someone represents avoidance behavior, where actions are taken to prevent specific interactions.
Automatic Reinforcement Definition
- Automatic reinforcement is characterized by being delivered contingent upon a behavior, meaning not all automatic reinforcement involves noncontingent delivery.
Sensory Behaviors
- Automatic reinforcement typically relates to sensory behaviors, which provide direct sensory stimulation.
Self-Stimulatory Behaviors
- Problematic self-stimulatory behavior is often classified as stereotypical, involving repetitive actions that do not vary much.
Objects in Stereotypical Behaviors
- Stereotypical behaviors can include the use of objects, demonstrating the range of such actions.
Self-Injurious Behavior Misconception
- Individuals with severe intellectual disabilities exhibiting self-injurious behavior are not necessarily attempting suicide, dispelling a common misconception.
Sensory Function and Reinforcement
- Not all behaviors with a sensory function are reinforced solely through automatic positive reinforcement, indicating varying motivations behind sensory-seeking behaviors.
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Description
Discover the key concepts related to the functions of behavior through these flashcards. Learn how behaviors are classified and their purpose in meeting reinforcement needs. This quiz serves as a study guide for understanding behavior functions effectively.
