Chapter 14 Punishment by Stimulus Presentation Cooper Heron

Chapter 14: Punishment by Stimulus Presentation Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 1

Introduction • Learning from the consequences that produce pain or discomfort, or the loss of reinforcers, has survival value for the individual and for the species. • Punishment teaches us not to repeat responses that cause us harm Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 2

Introduction • Punishment is: – Poorly understood – Frequently misapplied – Controversial Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 3

Introduction As a principle of behavior, punishment is not about punishing the person. Punishment is a: response consequence contingency that suppresses the future frequency of similar responses. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 4

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Operations & Defining Effect of Punishment has occurred when a response is followed immediately by a stimulus change that decreases the future frequency of similar responses Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 5

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Operations & Defining Effect of Punishment is defined neither by the actions of the person delivering the consequences, nor by the nature of those consequences. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 6

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Operations & Defining Effect of Punishment A decrease in the future frequency of the occurrence of the behavior must be observed before a consequence-based intervention qualifies as punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 7

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment Positive Punishment Presentation of a stimulus (or an increase in the intensity of an already present stimulus) immediately following a behavior that results in a decrease in the frequency of the behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 8

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment The termination of an already present stimulus (or a decrease in the intensity of an already present stimulus) immediately following a behavior that results in a decrease in the future frequency of the behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 9

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment For a stimulus change to function as negative punishment, which amounts to the removal of a positive reinforcer, a “motivating operation for the reinforcer must be in effect, otherwise removing it will not constitute punishment. ” (Michael, 2004, p. 36) Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 10

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment Positive & negative punishment are sometimes identified as: Type I Punishment Type II Punishment Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 11

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment Because aversive events are associated with positive punishment and with negative reinforcement, the umbrella term aversive control is often used to describe intervention involving either or both of these two principles. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 12

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Discriminative Effects of Punishment The 3 term contingency for punishment (1) In a particular stimulus situation (S), (2) some kinds of behavior (R), when followed immediately by (3) certain stimulus changes (SP), show a decreased future frequency of occurrence in the same or in similar situations. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 13

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Discriminative Effects of Punishment If punishment occurs only in some stimulus conditions and not in others, the suppressive effects of punishment will be most prevalent under those conditions. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 14

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Discriminative Effects of Punishment The symbol adopted by Cooper, Heron, and Heward for the discriminative stimulus for punishment is SDp. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 15

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Discriminative Effects of Punishment SDp A stimulus condition in the presence of which a response has a lower probability of occurrence than it does in its absence as a result of response-contingent punishment delivery in the presence of the stimulus. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 16

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Three-term contingencies illustrating positive and negative punishment of a discriminated operant: A response (R) emitted in the presence of a discriminative stimulus (SDp) is followed closely in time by a stimulus change (SP) and results in a decreased frequency of similar responses in the future when the SDp is present. A discriminated operant for punishment is the product of a conditioning history in which responses in the presence of the SDp have been punished and similar responses in the absence of the SDp have not been punished. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 17

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Recovery from Punishment When punishment is discontinued, its suppressive effects on responding are usually not permanent. Sometimes the rate of responding after punishment is discontinued will not only recover but also briefly exceed the level at which it was occurring prior to punishment Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 18

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Recovery from Punishment Permanent response suppression may occur when complete suppression of behavior to a zero rate of responding has been achieved with intense punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 19

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers A punisher is a stimulus change that immediately follows the occurrence of a behavior and reduces the future frequency of that type of behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 20

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers An unconditioned punisher is a stimulus whose presentation functions as punishment without having been paired with any other punishers. Product of the evolutionary history of a species (phylogeny); all biologically intact members of a species are more or less susceptible to punishment by the same unconditioned punishers. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 21

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers Unlike unconditioned reinforcers, under most conditions many unconditioned punishers will suppress any behavior that precedes their onset. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 22

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers A conditioned punisher is a stimulus change that functions as punishment as a result of a person’s conditioning history. Acquires the capability to function as a punisher through stimulus-stimulus pairing with one or more unconditioned or conditioned punishers. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 23

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers If the conditioned punisher is repeatedly presented without the punisher(s) with which it was initially paired, its effectiveness as punishment will diminish until it is no longer a punisher. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 24

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers Verbal analog conditioning Previously neutral stimuli can also become conditioned punishers for humans without direct physical pairing with another punisher. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 25

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers A stimulus change that has been paired with numerous forms of unconditioned and conditioned punishers becomes a generalized conditioned punisher. Generalized conditioned punishers are free from the control of specific motivating conditions and will function as punishment under most conditions. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 26

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishers - IMPORTANT point Punishers, like reinforcers, are not defined by their physical properties, but by their functions. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 27

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Immediacy of punishment Intensity of punishment Schedule or frequency of punishment Availability of reinforcement for the target behavior Availability of reinforcement for an alternative behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 28

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Immediacy Maximum suppressive effects are obtained when the onset of the punisher occurs as soon as possible after the occurrence of a target response. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 29

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Intensity The more intense the punishing stimulus is the greater it will reduce future responding. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 30

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Schedule The greater the proportion of responses that are followed by the punisher is the greater the response reduction. Continuous Punishment = response suppression, but allows for rapid recovery when the punishment contingency is removed. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 31

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Reinforcement for the Target Behavior The effectiveness of punishment is modulated by the reinforcement contingencies maintaining the problem behavior. To the extent that reinforcement maintaining the problem behavior can be reduced or eliminated, punishment will be more apparent. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 32

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment Reinforcement for Alternative Behaviors Milleson (1967) stated: If punishment is employed in an attempt to eliminate certain behavior, then whatever reinforcement the undesirable behavior had led to must be made available via a more desirable behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 33

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Elicitation of undesirable emotional response and aggression Escape and Avoidance Increased rate of the problem behavior under nonpunishment Modeling undesirable behavior Not teaching the learner what to do Overusing punishment because of the negative reinforcement it provides the punishing agent. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 34

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Elicitation of undesirable emotional response and aggression. Punishment, especially positive punishment in the form of aversive stimulation, may evoke aggressive behavior with respondent and operant components. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 35

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Elicitation of undesirable emotional response and aggression. Aggressive behavior following punishment that occurs because it has enable the person to escape the aversive stimulation in the past is referred to as operant aggression. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 36

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Escape and Avoidance Natural reactions to aversive stimulation As the intensity of the punisher increases, so does the likelihood of escape and avoidance. Can be minimized by providing alternative responses that come into contact with reinforcement and avoid the punisher. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 37

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Behavioral Contrast Change in one component of a multiple schedule that increases or decreases the rate of responding on that component is accompanied by a change in the response rate in the opposite direction on the other, unaltered component of the schedule. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 38

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment may involve undesirable modeling Punishment tactics may model undesirable behaviors. 2 decades of research have found strong correlation between young children’s exposure to harsh and excessive punishment and antisocial behavior and conduct disorders as adolescents and adults. (Patterson, 1982; Patterson, Reid, & Dishion, 1992; Sprague & Walker, 2000). Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 39

Definitions & Nature of Punishment Possible Side Effects and Problems with Punishment Negative Reinforcement of the Punishing Agent’s Behavior Punishment reinforces the punisher. Punishment tends to terminate the punished behavior quickly. The punisher’s behavior tends to be negatively reinforced by the immediate cessation of the punished behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 40

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Reprimands The delivery of verbal reprimands following the occurrence of misbehavior is an example of attempted positive punishment. Reprimands given repeatedly may lead to the subject habituating to the stimulus Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 41

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Response Blocking Physically intervening as soon as the person begins to emit the problem behavior to prevent or “block” the completion of the response has been show to be effective in reducing the frequency of some problem behaviors. Suppressive effects of response blocking may be due to punishment or to extinction. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 42

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Response Blocking Response blocking as a treatment intervention must be approached with great care. Side effects such as aggression and resistance to the response blocking procedure have occurred in some studies. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 43

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Contingent Exercise An intervention in which a person is required to perform a response that is not topographically related to the problem behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 44

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Overcorrection A behavior change tactic based on positive punishment in which, contingent on the problem behavior, the learner is required to engage in effortful behavior that is directly or logically related to the problem. 2 Forms: Restitutional and Positive Practice Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 45

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Overcorrection Restitutional Overcorrection Contingent on the problem behavior, the learner is required to repair or return the environment to its original state and then to engage in additional behavior to bring the environment to a condition vastly better than it was in prior to the misbehavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 46

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Overcorrection Positive Practice Overcorrection Contingent on an occurrence of the target behavior the learner is required to repeat a correct form of the behavior, or a behavior incompatible with the problem, a specified number of times. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 47

Examples of Positive Punishment Interventions Contingent Electric Stimulation 46 studies have demonstrated that contingent electric stimulation can be a safe and highly effective method for suppressing chronic and life- threatening self-injurious behavior (SIB). Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS) One of the most rigorously researched and carefully applied procedures for implementing punishment by electric stimulation for self-inflicted blows to the head or face. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 48

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Select Effective and Appropriate Punishers Punishment as part of a behavior change program has nothing to do with retribution. 1. Punishment is not about threats. 2. When punishers are threatened and not delivered, the child learns that your verbal threats are not associated with the actual punishing behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 49

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Select Effective and Appropriate Punishers Conduct Punisher Assessments Parallel process to a reinforcer assessment (Ch. 11). Advantages: 1. The sooner an effective punisher can be identified, the sooner it can be applied to treat the problem behavior. 2. Data from punisher assessments might reveal the magnitude or intensity of punisher necessary for behavioral suppression. Allows practitioner to determine the smallest intensity of punisher that is still affective. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 50

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Select Effective and Appropriate Punishers Consider Using Varied Punishers Varying the form of the punishing stimulus enhanced the punishing effect. It appears that by presenting a varied format of commonly used punishers, inappropriate behaviors may further decrease without the use of more intrusive punishment procedures. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 51

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Use the Least Intensity of Punishment That is Effective Ethical guidelines and the doctrine of the least restrictive alternative demand that the most effective, but least intrusive, form of punishment be used initially. Questions to answer when deciding on a form of punishment: Will this form of punishment suppress the behavior? Will this form of punishment be controlled from application to application? Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 52

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Use the Least Intensity of Punishment That is Effective Punishment is more effective when the stimulus is delivered at its optimum level initially than when its intensity is gradually increased over time. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 53

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Experience the Punishment Personally Practitioners should experience any punisher personally before the treatment begins Doing to reminds the practitioner that the technique produces physical discomfort. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 54

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Deliver the Punishment Immediately Every instance of the inappropriate behavior should be punished. Punishment affects most the behavior that immediately precedes the onset of punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 55

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Deliver the Punishment at the Beginning of the Response Chain As much as practical, punishment should occur early in the behavioral sequence rather than later. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 56

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Deliver the Punishment Unemotionally Punishment should be delivered in a business-like, matter-of-fact manner. Resist statement such as, “I told you so. ” “Now, you’ve gone and done i. ” and “What do you have to say for yourself? ” All you want to do is modify behavior, not make people atone for their sins. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 57

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Punish Each Instance of the Behavior Punishment is most effective when the punisher follows each instance of the behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 58

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Provide Response Prompts and Reinforcement for Alternative Behavior. Punishment is most effective when the learner can make other responses for reinforcement. The more reinforcement the learner obtains by emitting appropriate behavior, the less motivate he will be to emit the problem behavior. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 59

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Watch for Side Effects of Punishment The suppression of one inappropriate behavior may lead to the increased expression of another or the complete suppression of all other behaviors. Decreasing episodes of self-injurious behavior bay produce increased levels of verbal noncompliance Expand observations to include collateral or parallel behaviors. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 60

Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively Record, Graph and Evaluate Data Daily Data collection in the first session or two of a punishment based intervention is especially critical. Graphing the frequency of the target behavior before, during, and after the presentation of the punisher establishes the effectiveness of punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 61

Ethical Considerations Regarding the Use of Punishment Right to Safe and Humane Treatment The first ethical canon and responsibility for any human services program is to do no harm. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 62

Ethical Considerations Regarding the Use of Punishment Least Restrictive Alternative The less intrusive procedures should be tried and found to be ineffective before more intrusive procedures are implemented. Interventions can be viewed as falling along a continuum of restrictiveness from least to most. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 63

Ethical considerations Regarding the Use of Punishment Least Restrictive Alternative A procedure’s overall level of restrictiveness is a combined function of its absolute level of restrictiveness, the amount of time required to produce a clinically acceptable outcome, and the consequences associated with delayed intervention. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 64

Ethical considerations Regarding the Use of Punishment Right to Effective Treatment Failing to use a punishment procedure that research has show to suppress self-destructive behavior similar to the client’s is unethical because it withholds a potentially effective treatment and may maintain a dangerous or uncomfortable state for the person. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 65

Ethical considerations Regarding the Use of Punishment Developing and Using a Punishment Policy can Procedural Safeguards Follow a written policy statement. Consult local, state, or professional association policy statement regarding the use of punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 66

Concluding Perspectives Recognizing Punishment's Natural and Necessary Role in Learning Behavior analysts should not shy away from punishment. Positive and negative punishment contingencies naturally as a part of everyday life. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 67

Concluding Perspectives Punishment is a natural part of life Punishment happens! Whether punishment is socially mediated, planned or unplanned, or conducted by sophisticated practitioners, Vollmer believed that a science of behavior should study punishment. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 68

Concluding Perspectives More Research on Punishment is Needed Many recommendations for punishment are derived from basic research conducted more than 40 years ago. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 69

Concluding Perspectives Interventions Featuring Positive Punishment Should be Treated as Default Technologies Iwata (1988) recommended that punishment-based intervention involving the contingent application of aversive stimulation, such as SIBIS, be treated as default technologies. A default technology is on the at practitioner turns to when other methods have failed. Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition 70