Response Cost is an effective behavior modification technique used to modify and reduce problem behaviors. This technique has been used as an intervention in the treatment of a variety of clinical populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of response cost, its theoretical basis, and its application in clinical settings.
Response cost is a form of positive punishment, which has been found to be effective in reducing problem behaviors. This technique works by punishing the occurrence of a response, usually through the removal of a previously earned reward. The reward may be a token, points, money, or any other tangible item that can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. In response cost, the punishment is only applied after the response has occurred, and it is expected to reduce the frequency of the response in the future.
Theoretically, response cost works by weakening the strength of a response. By punishing the occurrence of a response, the response is less likely to occur in the future. This is because the response is less likely to be reinforced and the individual is less likely to have their current needs met. Thus, response cost reduces the likelihood of future occurrences of the problem behavior.
Response cost has been found to be effective in a variety of clinical settings. Studies have found that this technique is effective in reducing problem behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and ADHD. In addition, response cost has been found to be effective in decreasing the number of violations of behavioral contracts in clinical populations.
In conclusion, response cost has been found to be an effective technique for reducing problem behaviors in a variety of clinical populations. This technique works by punishing the occurrence of a response, which is expected to reduce the frequency of the response in the future. Response cost has been found to be effective in reducing problem behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and ADHD.
References
Fisher, W. W., & Mazur, E. (1997). Modern behavioral therapy. New York: Plenum Press.
LeBlanc, L. A., & Engel, G. (1997). Response cost: A review of the experimental research. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(2), 227-245.
Matson, J. L., & Vollmer, T. R. (1995). Behavioral treatment of ADHD in persons with mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 16(1), 15-30.
McGee, G. G., & Saunders, B. E. (1998). Reducing violations of behavioral contracts by using response cost. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(3), 315-319.