Effect of differential reinforcement of independent responding on skill acquisition for learners with and without prompt dependency

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2015

First Committee Member

Karsina, Allen

Second Committee Member

Karsten, Amanda

Third Committee Member

Sassi, Jessica

Abstract

"Differential reinforcement of independent responding is commonly recommended in skill acquisition procedures (Grow & LeBlanc, 2013), but to date there exists relatively little applied research demonstrating its effectiveness (Cividini-Motta & Ahearn, 2013; Karsten & Carr, 2009). We evaluated skill acquisition across differential reinforcement of independent responses and nondifferential reinforcement, with 4 participants, 5-13 years old, who were diagnosed with autism and related disorders. Results of a preassessment, clinical screening, and record review indicated three of the participants did not display prompt dependency and 1 participant demonstrated moderate evidence of prompt dependency. Using an adapted alternating treatment design, 2 sets of stimuli at a time were taught to each participant. One set was taught using nondifferential reinforcement, and all independent and prompted correct responses were followed by a highly effective reinforcer. The other set was taught using differential reinforcement of independent responses, in which only correct independent responses were followed by the highly effective reinforcer, and correct prompted responses were followed by verbal praise. Of the 3 participants who did not display prompt dependency, 1 participant learned more rapidly with nondifferential reinforcement, and 2 participants had similar skill acquisition with both procedures. Differential reinforcement of independent responses was more effective for the participant who demonstrated moderate evidence of prompt dependency. These results support previous findings that suggest differential reinforcement of independent responses may be an effective procedure for learners demonstrating prompt dependency. Further research is recommended to determine conditions under which differential reinforcement of independent responding is more effective."

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