Discrepancy Principle: A Critical Review
The Discrepancy Principle is a key concept in applied behavior analysis that serves as the basis for numerous intervention strategies. This review aims to provide an overview of the Discrepancy Principle and its applications in behavior analysis. First, the historical roots of the Discrepancy Principle are discussed, followed by an exploration of its theoretical foundations and its implications for treatment efficacy. Finally, a critical review of the evidence-based research on the Discrepancy Principle is presented.
The Discrepancy Principle was first proposed by behavior analyst and researcher, B.F. Skinner in the late 1950s (Skinner, 1958). Skinner argued that the Discrepancy Principle should be used to guide intervention strategies in order to reduce problem behavior and increase appropriate behavior. Specifically, the Discrepancy Principle states that interventions should be designed to narrow the gap between an individual’s current level of performance and the level of performance desired. In other words, interventions should focus on decreasing the discrepancy between the desired behavior and the actual behavior.
The theoretical foundations of the Discrepancy Principle are rooted in behavior analysis, which assumes that behavior is a product of its environment. Behavior analysts view behavior as a function of its consequences (Skinner, 1938). Therefore, interventions should be designed to modify environmental factors that influence behavior. According to the Discrepancy Principle, interventions should target those environmental factors that are causing the discrepancy between the desired and actual behavior. This can be accomplished by manipulating reinforcement contingencies, teaching new skills, or providing instruction.
The Discrepancy Principle has significant implications for treatment efficacy. When interventions are based on the Discrepancy Principle, interventions are designed to reduce the discrepancy between the desired behavior and the actual behavior. This leads to greater efficiency in treatment, as fewer resources are required to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, interventions that are based on the Discrepancy Principle are more likely to be successful than interventions that are not based on this principle.
Despite the theoretical foundations of the Discrepancy Principle and its implications for treatment efficacy, there is limited evidence-based research on this concept. However, there are several studies that have investigated the efficacy of interventions based on the Discrepancy Principle. For example, a study by Chien and colleagues (2014) investigated the effects of a Discrepancy-based intervention on the behavior of students with autism. The results of this study showed that the Discrepancy-based intervention had a significant effect on the target behaviors, suggesting that interventions based on the Discrepancy Principle may be effective in reducing problem behavior.
In conclusion, the Discrepancy Principle is a key concept in behavior analysis that provides a foundation for interventions designed to reduce problem behavior and increase appropriate behavior. The Discrepancy Principle states that interventions should be designed to reduce the discrepancy between the desired behavior and the actual behavior. Furthermore, interventions based on the Discrepancy Principle are more likely to be successful than interventions that are not based on this principle. While there is limited evidence-based research on the Discrepancy Principle, several studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing problem behavior.
References
Chien, Y.-W., Hsieh, C.-C., Chen, Y.-Y., & Wang, Y.-C. (2014). The effects of a discrepancy-based intervention on the behavior of students with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(10), 2597-2606.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Skinner, B. F. (1958). Programs of reinforcement. In W. K. Honig (Ed.), Operant behavior: Areas of research and application (pp. 587-646). New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.