Functions of Behavior

What are the four function of behavior?

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

• Control

Tommy engages in hand flapping while alone when playing with preferred toys/items, the function of this behavior is most likely...

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

Susie engages in physical aggression following the presentation of a math activity almost everyday, the function of this behavior is most likely...

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

Two staff are engaging in a conversation about the ocean, student Marie is sitting nearby and begins to scream, yelling "I love the ocean" and "how bout I go to the ocean", this behavior is most likely maintained by...

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

The classroom is out at recess, there are two other students on the swings when Bobby approached the swings and appropriate requests to get on one of the swings, when told that the swing is unavailable, Bobby throws his body to the ground and begins to engage in tantrum behavior, the function of this behavior is most likely...

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

Stevie begins engaging in tantrum behavior after being denied access to the swing, what would be an appropriate/effective intervention for staff to use?

• Allow Stevie to use the swing for a limited time.
• Provide Stevie with a prompt to engage in an incompatible behavior and redirect him back to another appropriate activity (not allowing him to access the swing)

• Ignore Stevie and let him calm down on his own.
• Provide Stevie with a snack to distract him.

Joey's behavior of physical aggression is most likely maintained by escape, what is an appropriate proactive strategy to use?

• Ignore the behavior and hope it improves
• Use behavior momentum prior to presenting a difficult task

• Avoid work tasks that are more difficult/aversive

• Try to come up with a token system on the spot to motivate him

Sarah's mouthing behavior is most likely maintained by sensory/automatic reinforcement, what would be an appropriate proactive intervention?

• Increase screen time to keep her occupied.
• Provide sugary snacks as a distraction.
• Provide sensory alternatives like chewable toys.
• Encourage her to stop mouthing behavior completely.

Noelle yells out frequently in the classroom, sometime making inappropriate comments to gain staff attention, what is an appropriate reactive intervention to use?

• Immediately reminder her to keep a quiet voice

• MPI Noelle's behavior; use pivot praise; once Noelle is quiet (even if for only a moment), prompt her to use an appropriate communication strategy

• Ignore Noelle's comments and let her continue.
• Encourage other students to respond to Noelle's comments.

(Multiple Answer) Which behavior functions are socially reinforced?

• Escape

• Tangible

• Attention

• Sensory/Automatic

• Control