ABA Exam CoachLessons · H. Selecting and Implementing Interventions
H.3 · Choosing a socially valid replacement behavior
Stopping a problem behavior is only half the job. Today we'll go over how to choose the behavior that takes its place, and why "sit quietly" usually isn't the answer.
Key takeaway
When you plan to decrease a behavior, also pick an alternative behavior to strengthen. Base it on the function from the FBA, so it gets the same reinforcer or a competing one. It should be reinforced quickly and reliably, take the same effort or less, be likely to get natural reinforcement (the relevance-of-behavior rule), and fit the person's age, culture, and preferences. Choose the response that matches the function over one that's simply convenient for staff.
When you plan to decrease a behavior, also pick an alternative behavior to strengthen. Base it on the function from the FBA, so it gets the same reinforcer or a competing one. It should be reinforced quickly and reliably, take the same effort or less, be likely to get natural reinforcement (the relevance-of-behavior rule), and fit the person's age, culture, and preferences. Choose the response that matches the function over one that's simply convenient for staff.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.