Which procedure involves withholding escape as a consequence of the behavior?

Which procedure involves withholding escape as a consequence of the behavior?

• A. Time-out
• B. Extinction
• C. Reinforcement
• D. Escape extinction

Answer: (D)

Escape extinction is the idea that the option to escape from an aversive demand is denied after the problem behavior, so the behavior loses its ability to produce escape and gradually decreases. When a child tantrums to avoid a task, applying escape extinction means continuing the task or keeping the demand in place until it is completed, rather than letting the child escape. This directly targets the function of the behavior—the escape from the aversive situation—by removing that consequence. Time-out removes the learner from reinforcement in the environment, but it’s a different strategy aimed at reducing reinforcement exposure rather than specifically denying escape. Reinforcement would increase the likelihood of the behavior by giving something desirable after it. The described approach fits escape extinction because it withholds the escape as a consequence. Be prepared for an initial increase in challenging behavior as the learner tests the new contingencies, and ensure the implementation is consistent.

Escape extinction is the idea that the option to escape from an aversive demand is denied after the problem behavior, so the behavior loses its ability to produce escape and gradually decreases. When a child tantrums to avoid a task, applying escape extinction means continuing the task or keeping the demand in place until it is completed, rather than letting the child escape. This directly targets the function of the behavior—the escape from the aversive situation—by removing that consequence. Time-out removes the learner from reinforcement in the environment, but it’s a different strategy aimed at reducing reinforcement exposure rather than specifically denying escape. Reinforcement would increase the likelihood of the behavior by giving something desirable after it. The described approach fits escape extinction because it withholds the escape as a consequence. Be prepared for an initial increase in challenging behavior as the learner tests the new contingencies, and ensure the implementation is consistent.