Date of Award
6-2004
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. James E. Carr
Second Advisor
Dr. Linda A. LeBlanc
Third Advisor
Dr. Jack Michael
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Tangible superimposition and withdrawal is a reductive procedure in which a new stimulus is delivered following behavior already maintained by a different controlling stimulus. The new stimulus is then removed in an attempt to reduce behavior. The current investigation sought to extend previous research on this procedure by evaluating its efficacy and durability as a treatment for stereotypy in three children diagnosed with autism. First, automatic reinforcement functions for stereotypic behaviors were identified via functional analyses. Next, for two participants, tangible items were delivered contingent upon stereotypy and then subsequently withdrawn. When the superimposition procedure proved ineffective, environmental enrichment was implemented and was found to be efficacious in reducing the stereotypy of both participants.
Recommended Citation
Sidener, Tina M., "Superimposition and Withdrawal of Tangible Consequences as a Treatment for Automatically Reinforced Problem Behaviors" (2004). Masters Theses. 4609.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4609