What procedure was used to get rid of an autistic boy's (Jimmy's) undesirable behaviors that were maintained by negative reinforcement?
A) Punishment by the presentation of an aversive condition
B) Penalty
C) Escape
D) Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
E) Nondirective psychotherapy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior is a procedure used to decrease undesirable behavior by reinforcing alternative, more appropriate behaviors. In the case of Jimmy, who is maintained by negative reinforcement, this would involve identifying alternative behaviors that serve the same function as the undesirable behaviors and reinforcing those behaviors instead. This can be effective in reducing or even eliminating the undesirable behaviors over time. Punishment (A), penalty (B), and escape (C) are less likely to be effective for behavior maintained by negative reinforcement, and nondirective psychotherapy (E) is not a specific procedure for behavioral intervention.

What Procedure Was Used to Get Rid of an Autistic