Behavior ReductionDifficulty 2/5
A student throws materials during independent seatwork. Each time, the teacher removes the worksheet and the student sits quietly. The most likely function of throwing is:
- AEscape from the task
- BAutomatic reinforcement
- CAccess to a tangible item
- DAccess to attention
Show answer and rationale
Correct: A. The consequence that reliably follows the behavior is removal of the demand. Behavior that ends a task is maintained by negative reinforcement (escape). Identifying the function is task D.1 and drives the choice of intervention.
- D — Attention is not what changes after the behavior; the demand is.
- B — Automatic reinforcement would occur regardless of the social consequence.
- C — No item is delivered after throwing.