Comparison of Fixed-Ratio and Fixed-Interval Schedules of Reinforcement within the Treatment of Escape-Reinforced Problem Behavior

The behavior-analytic approach to the assessment and treatment of problem behavior begins with a functional behavior assessment and concludes with function-based treatment implementation. Extinction bursts and the resurgence of problem behavior represent common barriers to successfully implementing these treatments. Recent research documents a common prevalence of these phenomena following contingency changes, including when transitioning from assessment to treatment. Researchers mitigate the disruptive impact of extinction bursts by controlling for the duration of exposure to the establishing operation (EO). Indeed, controlling for EO exposure when initiating treatment decreases the occurrence of problem behavior. While this effect has been documented, it is not clear if certain schedules of reinforcement are more appropriate for initial treatment arrangements than others. The purpose of the current study was to compare fixed-ratio (FR) and fixed-interval (FI) schedules of reinforcement implementation after controlling for the duration of EO exposure for participants who engaged in negatively reinforced problem behavior. Results generally showed both FR and FI treatment arrangements produced reductions in problem behavior and improvements in task completion. Despite these reductions, problem behavior seemed more likely to occur during the FI treatment arrangement. We will discuss these data in terms of identifying effective initial behavioral treatment arrangements for individuals engaging in escape-reinforced problem behavior.