Browsing by Subject "generalization"

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    An Investigation of Methods Toward Mitigating Resurgence and Renewal in A Human Operant Model
    (2022-08) Unholz-Bowden, Emily
    Interventions related to differential reinforcement (DR) are among the most frequently used within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). However, certain conditions can inhibit the level at which effects of these interventions maintain upon treatment challenges or generalize across contexts. This can result in the relapse, or recurrence of the destructive behavior the interventions aim to decrease. The purpose of this basic study is to identify effective methods for attenuating both the resurgence and renewal of a previously taught response put on extinction and for promoting the maintenance and generalization of alternative responses with university students using a computer program. Using three experiments, effects of delivering lag reinforcement for multiple alternative responses, reinforcement in multiple contexts, and both in combination, were evaluated on the relapse of a previously extinguished operant response and on the maintenance and generalization of alternative responses. Across five different data analyses (three statistical and two visual), lag reinforcement in multiple contexts during DRA was the most effective in attenuating resurgence of the extinguished response and promoting maintenance of alternative responding. There were no significant differences in levels of renewal and generalization across the three experiments. Future directions toward applied research related to resurgence and renewal are discussed.
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    Using Behavior Skills Training to Promote Caregivers’ Generalized Skill Instruction with Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    (2023-03) Girtler, Shawn
    The presence of independent and functional living skills increases autonomy and predicts better outcomes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Teaching caregivers to successfully teach functional living skills is an indirect way to positively impact the lives of adults with IDD. Behavior skills training (BST) is an evidence-based approach to training caregivers and provides a blueprint for systematic skills training. This study uses a multiple probe design across caregivers to evaluate the effectiveness of BST delivered via telehealth on the generalization of caregiver teaching skills and improvement in functional living skills of adults as a result of the skill instruction they receive. Additionally, the adult with IDD participants in this study selected the functional life skills they learned. Using person-centered practices, such as including participant interest and preference, can assist caregivers in learning generalizable skills to teach functional living skills that are selected by, important to, and important for the learner. Study results suggest that this approach effectively teaches caregivers generalizable skills.