Operant Reductive Procedures

Abstract

In this chapter, we shall examine the use and efficacy of reductive procedures that are based on the principles of operant conditioning. Like positive reinforcement, these procedures have a rather lengthy history although they have only recently been subjected to rigorous experimental evaluation. The following procedures will be examined: extinction, differential reinforcement, response cost, timeout, overcorrection, and physical punishment. Although these procedures vary considerably, they share a common goal: the reduction of inappropriate behaviors. A variety of inappropriate behaviors have been reduced with these procedures, including oppositional and noncompliant behavior, aggressive and disruptive behavior, and self-stereotypic and self-injurious behavior. Such behaviors have been observed in children described as “conduct problems” (Bernal, Duryee, Pruett, & Burns, 1968), delinquent (Burchard & Harig, 1976), mentally retarded (Birnbrauer, 1976), and psychotic (Lovaas & Newsom, 1976). Although less severe than self-stereotypic and self-injurious behaviors, oppositional and noncompliant behaviors and aggressive and disruptive behaviors are the major reasons children are referred for professional intervention (Bernal et al., 1968; Kent & O’Leary, 1976; Patterson, 1974; Wahler, 1969a).