| Title: |
Comparing Methods of Evaluating Sensitivity to Common Establishing Operations and Bias toward Challenging Behavior |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Alva E. Allen (ORCID 0009-0003-9430-8320); Katherine G. Bridges (ORCID 0009-0005-3252-0101); Eliana M. Pizarro (ORCID 0000-0003-3740-6269); Samuel L. Morris (ORCID 0000-0003-0724-6954) |
| Source: |
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2026 59(1). |
| Availability: |
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
16 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Behavior Problems; Functional Behavioral Assessment; Behavior Rating Scales; Bias; Contingency Management; Risk; Prevention |
| DOI: |
10.1002/jaba.70046 |
| ISSN: |
0021-8855; 1938-3703 |
| Abstract: |
Recent research has demonstrated the utility of recording and reinforcing appropriate behavior during functional analyses. We compared two contingency arrangements across repeated bias and sensitivity evaluations (BASEs), one that equated the contingencies for appropriate and challenging behavior (i.e., symmetrical contingencies) and another that only provided reinforcement for challenging behavior (i.e., asymmetrical contingencies). Six neurotypical children were recruited, and behavior was recorded on a Neutral to Severe Behavior Scale. We evaluated sensitivity to different types of establishing operations (EOs) and response bias toward appropriate versus challenging behavior for each participant. Greater sensitivity to EOs was observed under symmetrical contingencies, but more instances of severe challenging behavior were captured by asymmetrical contingencies. Bias toward challenging behavior was evident in both contingency arrangements. Results suggest that BASEs implementing symmetrical and asymmetrical contingencies could help identify risk factors for challenging behavior and inform preventive strategies. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1494602 |
| Database: |
ERIC |