Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons^™

Gradually Transitioning To A New Taxonomy: Thinning, Shaping, And Fading, Melanie Agrachov

Capstone Projects

Currently, there is a large body of work in the basic and applied literature about schedule thinning and the underlying concepts associated with these procedures. However, some of the terminology used in this research area (e.g., shaping, fading, and thinning) has been applied inconsistently, suggesting that researchers and practitioners might misunderstand these terms. In this paper, I will discuss the unsystematic use of terminology found in the literature describing schedule thinning procedures, as well as other gradual change procedures, more generally. Additionally, I will propose a new taxonomy of gradual behavior change procedures in the hope of creating a more …

What Is An Extinction Burst?, Kristal Huffman

Capstone Projects

Abstract

This paper will explore the effects of extinction, specifically the extinction burst. Extinction is known to be an effective and necessary process in decreasing specific behaviors (Iwata, Pace, Kalsher, Cowdery, & Cataldo, 1990). During this process, side effects might occur and the extinction burst is one of those side effects. Extinction bursts might be a problematic side effect, especially during treatment of severe behavior. This paper will explore the extinction burst in detail as well as how the term is used in both the basic and applied literature. Next, an investigation of the extinction burst as a technical term …