Behavioral Momentum: Noncompliance and Resistance to Change
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Questions and Answers

Why might noncompliance be highly resistant to change, according to the text?

  • Due to an extensive history of reinforcement by escape from task demands. (correct)
  • Because individuals are genetically predisposed to noncompliance.
  • Due to a lack of effective therapeutic interventions.
  • Because therapists often reinforce noncompliance unintentionally.

What is the primary goal of the therapist regarding compliance?

  • To maximize the momentum of compliance so it persists even after treatment. (correct)
  • To punish noncompliance effectively.
  • To diagnose the underlying causes of noncompliance.
  • To understand the history of non-compliant behavior.

What is a multiple schedule of reinforcement used for in the context described?

  • To evaluate the resistance to change of one discriminated operant relative to another. (correct)
  • To create complex behavioral patterns with several stimuli presented simultaneously.
  • To eliminate unwanted behaviors entirely.
  • To determine the baseline rate of responding.

How are the components of a multiple schedule typically arranged?

<p>Presented successively, in regular or irregular alternation, for predetermined durations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might time-out periods be included between components in a multiple schedule?

<p>To minimize interaction between the components. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically done after the component performances are trained in a multiple schedule?

<p>The relative resistance is evaluated by disrupting asymptotic performance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the relative resistance of component performances typically evaluated?

<p>By disrupting asymptotic performance in a way that applies equally to both components. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a method used to disrupt asymptotic performance in a multiple schedule?

<p>Prefeeding the subjects to reduce their motivation to respond for food. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In behavioral momentum research, what is the MOST direct way to measure resistance to change?

<p>Comparing response rate under disruption with the immediately preceding baseline response rate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the disruption period typically kept brief in behavioral momentum experiments?

<p>To minimize any long-term effects of the interaction between the disrupter and the baseline conditions of reinforcement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'discriminated operant,' as it relates to behavioral momentum?

<p>A three-term unit comprised of an antecedent stimulus, a specified response class, and the reinforcement contingencies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Component A shows a steeper slope than Component B when plotting the log of response rate under disruption against the disruptor value, what can be inferred?

<p>Component B is more resistant to change than Component A. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Nevin, Tota, Torquato, and Shull (1990) experiment, what was the primary difference between Components B and C?

<p>The rate of reinforcement for responding on the right key. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Nevin, Tota, Torquato, and Shull (1990) experiment, only right-key pecks were reinforced. What is the likely reason for this design choice?

<p>To evaluate the effect of reinforcer rates for a specific response. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are comparisons typically made within subjects and sessions in behavioral momentum experiments?

<p>To reduce the impact of individual differences and increase reliability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of behavioral momentum, if a behavior has high resistance to change, what does this suggest about the relationship between the behavior and its reinforcement history?

<p>The behavior is likely maintained by a strong and consistent reinforcement history. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Nevin et al. (1990), what is the critical factor determining resistance to change in behavior?

<p>The stimulus–reinforcer relation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the effect of alternative reinforcers have on applied behavioral work?

<p>Presenting alternative reinforcers reduces the rate of a target response but may increase its resistance to change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Nevin's (1992a) experiment, how did the reinforcer rate in the alternated component of a multiple schedule affect resistance to change in the constant component?

<p>Resistance to prefeeding and extinction in the constant component were inversely related to the reinforcer rate in the alternated component. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Nevin draw regarding resistance to change based on the manipulation of reinforcer rates in alternating schedule components?

<p>Resistance to change depended on the relative rather than the absolute amount of reinforcement obtained by the target response class. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of resistance to change, what did the B-A and C-A comparisons suggest regarding the role of reinforcer rate and contingency?

<p>Resistance to change was directly related to the total reinforcer rate signaled by the component stimuli, independently of contingency and baseline rate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Nevin et al. (1990) expand upon previous understandings of resistance to change by using noncontingent reinforcers?

<p>By demonstrating similar effects on resistance to change whether reinforcers were contingent on an alternative response or noncontingent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect of the stimulus-reinforcer relation was refined by Nevin (1992a), leading to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying behavioral persistence?

<p>The significance of the <em>relative</em> reinforcement rates in determining the response's resistance to change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect on right-key response rates across the three components (A, B, and C) of Experiment 2 in Nevin et al.'s 1990 study, during the extinction phase shown in Figure 2?

<p>The components demonstrated varying levels of resistance to extinction, correlating with the baseline reinforcer rates immediately preceding the extinction phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is establishing a stable baseline response rate considered important in behavioral momentum research?

<p>It enables quantitative analyses of the effects of the independent variable on resistance to change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of measuring compliance, what is the primary reason the 'rate of requests' is a critical factor?

<p>It sets the upper limit for the possible rate of compliance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of latency in measuring compliance?

<p>It provides a measure of the velocity-like aspect of compliance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key finding in Furomoto's (1971) study regarding resistance to extinction?

<p>The number of reinforcers during initial training significantly impacted resistance to extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the high-probability (high-p) request sequence potentially increase the 'mass' of compliance?

<p>By arranging additional reinforcers that enhance persistent compliance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes research on resistance to change from typical compliance research in terms of dependent variables?

<p>Resistance to change research traditionally uses the rate of a free operant, while compliance studies focus on responses to requests. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In behavioral momentum, what does the 'velocity-like aspect' of compliance refer to, and how is it measured?

<p>It refers to the quickness of the response to a requests, typically measured by latency from the request. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the material, what are the two measurable components of compliance?

<p>Velocity and Mass. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of explicitly presenting response-contingent positive reinforcers in the high-probability (high-p) request sequence?

<p>To establish the velocity and mass of compliance, thereby increasing the likelihood of continued cooperation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do response-independent reinforcers play in enhancing compliance within a treatment setting?

<p>They increase the mass of compliance, making the behavior more robust and persistent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge in applying the momentum metaphor to real-world applications of the high-probability (high-p) request sequence?

<p>The straightforward translation of the metaphor's terms encounters uncertainties and requires speculation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author express 'considerable faith' in the power of stimulus-reinforcer relations to influence behavior persistence?

<p>Because of extensive research on resistance to change, showing their effectiveness in various settings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential limitation exists in the interpretation of high-p procedure effectiveness?

<p>The reinforcers in the high-p series equally increase compliance and noncompliance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If reinforcers equally increase compliance and non-compliance behaviors, what could we expect?

<p>It would undermine the theoretical basis for using reinforcers to establish momentum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to faith being necessary when applying lab findings to clinical work, according to the text?

<p>Human histories and environments are complex and uncontrolled. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the momentum metaphor suggest about enhancing low-p compliance?

<p>Enhancing the 'mass' of compliance through response-independent reinforcers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Herrnstein's modified equation (Equation 5), what does the variable 'm' represent?

<p>The degree of interaction between components, ranging from 0 to 1.0. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the equations presented, how does the richness of a schedule affect the resistance of response rate to change?

<p>Response rate maintained by a rich schedule will be more resistant to change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Williams and Wixted's equation (Equation 6), what do the variables 'p' and 'f' represent?

<p>The degree of interaction with the preceding and following components, respectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What scenario does Williams and Wixted's equation (Equation 6) account for that the other equations do not directly address?

<p>Response rate is lower in the presence of a component with a given reinforcer rate if it precedes a component with a richer schedule. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which variable in Herrnstein's original equation (Equation 4) represents the rate of reinforcement from sources other than the schedule being studied?

<p>RE (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted effect of a large increase in 'C' in Equation 6 on the response rate, BN?

<p>BN will decrease as C represents inhibitory effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the value of 'm' in Equation 5 is closer to 0, what does this indicate about the interaction between the target component and the alternated component?

<p>Little to no interaction between the two components. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where you are trying to reduce a dog's barking using reinforcement principles. Based on the equations, which strategy would likely be most effective?

<p>Provide consistent and frequent treats for quiet behavior (rich schedule) to establish a strong baseline. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Therapeutic Compliance

The goal of therapy is to create a high rate of compliance during treatment and ensure it persists after treatment ends.

Behavioral Momentum

The tendency for behavior to persist in the face of disruptions, like extinction or distractions.

High-Probability (High-p) Procedure

A procedure to establish compliance using a sequence of high-probability requests followed by low-probability requests.

Multiple Schedule of Reinforcement

An experimental setup with two or more distinct stimuli presented successively, each with different reinforcement rules.

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Schedule Components

Distinct phases within a multiple schedule, each signaled by a different stimulus and associated with a specific reinforcement contingency.

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Time-Out Periods

The period between schedule components which serve to minimize any carryover effects of one schedule over the other.

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Resistance to Change

A method of testing an established baseline of responding by disrupting asymptotic performance.

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Prefeeding

Giving access to food before an experimental session to reduce motivation for food reinforcement during the session.

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Discriminated Operant

A three-term unit involving a stimulus, a response, and reinforcement contingencies.

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Disrupter Arrangement

Using a brief intervention to test how easily a behavior changes.

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Measuring Resistance to Change

Comparing response rate during disruption to the rate before disruption.

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Multiple Schedule

A schedule that provides different rates of reinforcement in different contexts

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Variable-Interval (VI)

A schedule where reinforcement is given after varying time intervals.

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Component C (Nevin et al., 1990)

Key pecks on the right key are reinforced with food based on a VI schedule.

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Component B (Nevin et al., 1990)

Key pecks on the right key are reinforced with food based on a VI schedule.

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Stimulus-Reinforcer Relation

The stimulus–reinforcer relation is a critical determiner of resistance to change.

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Alternative Reinforcers

Alternative reinforcers increase the resistance to change of a target response.

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Relative Reinforcer Rate

Resistance to change depends on the relative reinforcer rate.

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Alternated Component

Resistance to prefeeding and resistance to extinction in the constant component were inversely related to reinforcer rate in the alternated component.

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Extinction

An operation and a process in which behavior is weakened, following the removal of a stimulus or contingency.

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Reinforcement

Behavior is strenghtened, following exposure to a stimulus or consequence.

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Positive Reinforcement

When a behavior increases because a stimulus is given.

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Uncontrolled Reinforcers

The extraneous reinforcers that exist alongside therapy sessions.

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High-p Procedure Reinforcers

The additional reinforcers used during therapy to enhance desired behaviors.

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Compliance Measures

Latency from request or probability of occurrence after a request.

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Behavior in Transition

A research approach focused on behavior during acquisition or extinction.

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Stable Baseline Response

A steady state before changes are introduced, needed for quantitative analysis.

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Ordinal Comparisons

Comparing resistance to change without needing a fully stable pre-existing behaviour.

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High-p Sequence Mass

The 'mass' aspect of behavior.

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Velocity-like Aspect

Looks at the 'speed' like aspect of behavior.

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High-p Procedure

The enhanced likelihood of compliance to low-probability requests following a series of high-probability requests.

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Momentum Metaphor

A way to understand the high-p procedure, suggesting compliance has 'velocity' and 'mass'.

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Response-Independent Reinforcers

Providing reinforcers regardless of the individual's behavior.

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Response-Contingent Reinforcers

Providing reinforcers contingent on a specific behavior.

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Behavioral Resistance to Change

The ability of a behavior to persist despite changes in the environment or reinforcement schedule.

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Operant Behavior

Behavior that is controlled by its consequences, either reinforcement or punishment.

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Basic Research

Altering conditions to discover cause-and-effect relationships.

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Herrnstein's Hyperbolic Equation (Single Schedules)

Response rate (B) equals asymptotic response rate (k) times reinforcer rate (R), divided by reinforcer rate plus extraneous reinforcers (RE).

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Herrnstein's Equation (Multiple Schedules)

Response rate in component N (BN) equals asymptotic response rate (k) times reinforcer rate in component N (RN), divided by reinforcer rate in N plus interaction (m) times reinforcer rate in alternate component (RA) plus extraneous reinforcers (RE).

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Williams and Wixted Equation

Response rate (BN) is scaled by reinforcer rates in current (RN), preceding (RN-1), and following (RN+1) components, plus an inhibitory constant (C).

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Preceding Component Interaction (p)

The degree of interaction between a target component and the preceding component in a multiple schedule.

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Following Component Interaction (f)

The degree of interaction between a target component and the following component in a multiple schedule.

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Inhibitory Constant (C)

Inhibitory effects of all reinforcers within the situation, impacting response rate.

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Scaling Constant (s)

A constant used to adjust the overall scale of response rate predictions.

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Resistance to Change (Rich vs. Lean Schedules)

Response rate maintained by a rich reinforcement schedule changes less when disrupted, compared to a lean schedule.

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Study Notes

  • Compliance to demanding requests may improve if preceded by simpler, high-probability requests.
  • Behavioral momentum explains this, describing the behavior's tendency to persist despite challenges.
  • The high-probability procedure differs from lab studies, so basic research findings may not apply directly.
  • Increased compliance can be understood through basic research, but questions arise in applying momentum.
  • These questions lead to new experimental and applied behavior analysis directions.

Behavioral Momentum

  • It's a metaphor describing two behavior dimensions: established response rate and resistance to change.
  • These dimensions correspond to a moving body's velocity and mass, respectively.
  • Behavioral momentum is the product of these dimensions, reflecting training conditions.
  • Applied behavior aims to establish desirable behavior and ensure it persists, requiring resistance to change.
  • Interventions should give behavior high momentum to endure the transition to everyday life.
  • Successful compliance interventions ensure fast and reliable compliance during training (high velocity) and persistence after training (high mass).
  • Low mass results in inadequate outcomes, even if velocity (rate of compliance) if high

Research Review: Methods and Measures

  • Momentum is a property of a discriminated operant: antecedent stimulus, response, and reinforcement contingencies.
  • Focus is on asymptotic response rate and resistance to change within a stimulus situation
  • Resistance to change is usually studied relative to other situations with varying contingencies.
  • Multiple schedules of reinforcement involve presenting distinct stimuli in succession for set durations.
  • Different contingencies for a response define distinct operants, or components, separated by time-out
  • Performances are trained until rates stabilize, and resistance to change is evaluated by disrupting performance
  • Disruption, like prefeeding, is brief to avoid lasting effects and resistance is assessed by comparing response rates under disruption with baseline rates for each component

Experimental Example

  • Nevin, Tota, Torquato, and Shull (1990) used a three-component multiple schedule to show findings on behavioral momentum.
  • Pigeons were used in a two-key chamber
  • Component C (both keys white): VI 60-s schedule, 60 reinforcers per hour for right-key pecks.
  • Component B (both keys red): 15 reinforcers per hour for right-key pecks.
  • Component A (both keys green): concurrent VI VI schedules, 15 reinforcers per hour for right-key pecks and 45 for left-key pecks with total of 60 reinforcers er hour.
  • Components alternated irregularly with time-out
  • Baseline performances were disrupted by satiation and extinction.
  • Right-key response rates were highest in Component C, lower in B, and lowest in A, reflecting reinforcer rates.
  • Component A: more resistant to change than Component B; Component C: more resistant than Component B and similar to Component A.
  • Resistance to change of right-key responding directly related to reinforcer, consistent with prior research.
  • B-A and C-A comparisons suggest resistance related to total reinforcer rate, regardless of contingency.
  • Stimulus-reinforcer relation is key in determining change and resistance.
  • Alternative reinforcers increase resistance to change by being in the same stimulus situation.

Relativity of the Stimulus-Reinforcer Relation

  • The stimulus-reinforcer relation was refined by Nevin (1992a).
  • A constant reinforcer rate was arranged while another was varied
  • Resistance to extinction in a constant component was inversely related to reinfocement rate in alternation
  • Resistance to change depends on the relative, not absolute, reinforcer rate within a stimulus.
  • A contingency ratio characterizes reinforcer rate, accounting for resistance data
  • Therapy setting depends on reinforcer rate outside the setting as well as within.

Generality to Other Species

  • Experiments translated to humans show direct specificity between signals paired with reinforcers.
  • Nevin replicated Experiment 1 with adults with mental retardation and Cohen replicated with college students
  • Experiment 2 replicated visual stimuli tasks with rats

Summary and Conclusions

  • Resistance to change stems from obtaining rate of reinforcement for its operant
  • Resistance to change increases additional reinforcers are allocated concurrently or independently
  • Resistance to change reduces with the other successive operants
  • Resistance is independent of base rate of target response

Qualifications

  • Harper and McLean (1992) challenged the conclusions
  • Resistance to change is not dependent on reinforcer rate for the single schedule

The High-P Procedure

  • Mace et al. (1988) linked behavioral momentum to compliance requests.
  • Enhanced compliance with low-probability requests by presenting 3 prior high probability requests
  • Clients readily complied and appeared to enjoy doing this as they have a high rate of compliance
  • There was a striking increase in the probability
  • Compliance is a discriminated operant where response correlates with overall stimulus of compliance
  • Findings on momentum are relevant
  • High-p series establishing velocity with explicit or implicit reinforcers increase "compliance"
  • Compliant momentum makes it more resistant to challenges
  • High-p not sufficient to enhance compliance always.
  • High-p is a valuable repertoire of additions for non-compliance interventions

Procedural Issues

  • High-p differs to normal procedures as there's a well-defined stimulus with alernating components
  • There's no steady baseline against which can be evaluated
  • Response class is not free, but defined by agreement between request and action
  • Involves the presentation of demanding requests rather than alternative variables

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The Momentum of Compliance by John Nevin (1996) PDF

Description

This text explores why noncompliance is resistant to change and discusses the therapist's goal regarding compliance. It examines the use of multiple schedules of reinforcement and their components. Additionally, it investigates methods used to disrupt performance and measure resistance to change, including the concept of 'discriminated operant'.

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