RBT Study Guide Unit D: Behavior Reduction
Master behavior reduction strategies, understand behavior functions, and implement evidence-based interventions to decrease challenging behaviors while teaching appropriate replacements.
Understanding Behavior Reduction
Behavior reduction is one of the most important areas in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It focuses on decreasing challenging behaviors while teaching appropriate replacement behaviors that serve the same purpose.
🔄 Behavior Reduction Process
Identify
Assess
Plan
Implement
Evaluate
Maintain
D-01: Identify the Essential Components of a Written Behavior Reduction Plan
A Behavior Reduction Plan (BRP) provides clear guidelines for how to manage and reduce maladaptive behaviors.
Key Components of a BRP
Operational Definition
Clear description of the target behavior
Example: Hitting others with open palm or closed fist
Function of Behavior
Why the behavior occurs
Example: To gain attention from peers or staff
Replacement Behavior
A positive behavior that serves the same function
Example: Raising hand to ask for help
Antecedent Strategies
What to do before the behavior occurs
Example: Provide scheduled attention every 5 minutes
Consequence Strategies
How to respond after the behavior occurs
Example: Redirect to replacement behavior, withhold attention
Data Collection
Methods to track progress
Example: Frequency count per session
Crisis Plan
What to do during emergencies
Example: Safety protocol for aggressive behavior
📊 Behavior Reduction Plan Overview
| COMPONENT | PURPOSE | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Target Behavior | Define behavior | Hitting others |
| Function | Reason | To gain attention |
| Replacement | Teach new behavior | Asking for help |
| Consequence | Response strategy | Provide attention for asking |
D-02: Describe Common Functions of Behavior
Behaviors serve a purpose — understanding the function helps select the right intervention.
The Four Main Functions
Attention
40%To get social interaction or response
Example: Yelling to get teacher attention
Escape
25%To avoid a task or situation
Example: Throwing materials to escape math
Tangible
20%To get a desired item or activity
Example: Hitting to get iPad
Automatic/Sensory
15%To gain internal stimulation
Example: Head banging for sensory input
D-03: Identify Antecedent Strategies
Antecedent strategies prevent behaviors before they occur by changing the environment or expectations.
Common Antecedent Strategies
Visual Schedules
Increase predictability
Best for: All functions
Example: Picture schedule showing daily activities
Task Modification
Reduce difficulty
Best for: Escape
Example: Break math worksheet into smaller parts
Choice Making
Give learner control
Best for: Escape/Tangible
Example: Choose between two activities
Non-contingent Reinforcement
Provide frequent attention
Best for: Attention
Example: Scheduled praise every 3 minutes
D-04: Identify Consequence Strategies
Consequence strategies define how to respond after the behavior happens to reduce future occurrences.
Reinforcement-based
Increase desired behaviors
- Reinforce replacement behavior immediately
Extinction-based
Reduce problem behaviors by withholding reinforcement
- Ignore minor attention-seeking behavior
Common Consequence Strategies
Ignore
Withhold attention for minor behaviors
Example: Ignore mild attention-seeking behavior
Redirect
Guide to appropriate activity
Example: Redirect to replacement behavior
Reinforce Replacement
Immediately reinforce desired behavior
Example: Praise and provide attention for hand raising
📊 Behavior Frequency: Before vs After Consequence Strategy
| SESSION | FREQUENCY BEFORE | FREQUENCY AFTER |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 | 6 |
| Week 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Week 3 | 5 | 2 |
D-05: Implement Differential Reinforcement Procedures
Differential Reinforcement (DR) is used to reduce problem behavior by reinforcing desired alternatives.
Types of Differential Reinforcement
DRA
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior
Usage
Reinforce alternative behavior
Example: Reinforce hand raising instead of calling out
DRI
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior
Usage
Reinforce incompatible behavior
Example: Reinforce hands in lap (incompatible with hitting)
DRO
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior
Usage
Reinforce any other behavior
Example: Reinforce any behavior except target behavior
DRL
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates
Usage
Reinforce low rates of behavior
Example: Reinforce asking for help only 2 times per hour
D-06: Implement Extinction Procedures
Extinction means stopping reinforcement for the undesired behavior.
Key Concepts
- The behavior may increase temporarily (extinction burst)
- Stay consistent — no reinforcement
- Pair extinction with teaching a replacement behavior
📊 Extinction Curve
Typical behavior pattern during extinction:
Behavior frequency usually increases before decreasing
D-07: Implement Crisis/Emergency Procedures
Crisis procedures protect the client and staff when dangerous behavior occurs.
Stay Calm
Maintain composure and safety focus
Ensure Safety
Remove dangerous objects or people nearby
Follow Protocol
Implement organization's crisis plan
Call for Help
Get assistance if necessary
Document & Debrief
Record incident and discuss aftermath
🔄 Crisis Protocol Flow
Identify Crisis
Ensure Safety
Follow Plan
Document
Debrief
Additional Behavior Reduction Components
D-08: Evaluate the Effectiveness of Behavior Reduction Procedures
Collect and analyze data to ensure the plan is working.
Data Types
- • Frequency or rate
- • Duration
- • Intensity
Evaluation Process
- • Compare baseline and intervention data
- • Modify if progress is slow
D-09: Maintain Professional Conduct During Behavior Reduction
RBTs must follow ethical guidelines during interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Protect client dignity
- Avoid punishment-based interventions unless supervised
- Maintain confidentiality
- Report concerns to the BCBA
Ethical Practice Model
| AREA | GUIDELINE |
|---|---|
| Respect | Treat all clients with dignity |
| Honesty | Report data accurately |
| Confidentiality | Protect client information |
Test Your Behavior Reduction Knowledge
Practice behavior reduction concepts with targeted quiz questions and reinforce your understanding.