Step 2 Implementing Negative Reinforcement
The following steps describe the process of using Negative Reinforcement through implementation of continuous reinforcement and preventing satiation.
Step 2.1 Cue the toddler to use the skill or behavior
Use the methods of instruction selected in Step 1.7 to cue the toddler to use the skill or behavior.
Do not remove the negative reinforcer (the mildly aversive situation) until the toddler uses the skill or behavior.
Example of an Implementation Plan for Negative Reinforcement
In the following implementation plan for negative reinforcement with a toddler, the parent and the EI provider would cue the child, Jim, to take a bath and cue him through the steps until they are complete. Only when complete will Jim be able to leave the tub.
Step 2.2 Respond to the toddler based on the toddler's use of the skill or behavior
Respond using one of the following choices depending on the toddler's use of the skill or behavior:
a. If the toddler uses the skill/behavior, remove the negative reinforcer immediately.
b. If the toddler does not engage in the skill/behavior repeat your planned instruction.
If the toddler continues to not respond, reconsider your planned instruction. Instruction should include a control prompt. A control prompt is the most intrusive prompt, which will guarantee that the toddler engages in the skill/behavior If the toddler doesn’t engage in the skill or behavior, the chosen control prompt needs to be changed to one that will ensure the toddler’s response.
Video: Using Negative Reinforcement
In this video, the provider uses the mild aversive of holding her hand over the popup toy as a negative reinforcer. As soon as the child asks for her to move her hand by saying “please,” the aversive is removed.
c. Negative reinforcement is often used to teach the toddler skills or behaviors to replace interfering behavior.
Extinction is an evidence-based practice often used during the implementation of negative reinforcement when the toddler engages in interfering behavior.
When using extinction, ignore the interfering behavior while prompting the toddler to use the target skill/behavior. Extinction should not be used if the challenging behavior is dangerous to the toddler or others.
Practice Scenarios: Implementing Negative Reinforcement
The practice scenarios provide example cases of using the evidence-based practice (EBP) that follow a toddler case through each of the implementation steps, following the Knowledge Check. We recommend that you select and follow the same setting (home or center-based) throughout the module steps.
If you have trouble viewing, review the Troubleshooting Tips.
Knowledge Check
Select an answer:
When implementing negative reinforcement, you should ensure which of the following?
- You remove the aversive immediately upon when the toddler uses the target behavior.
- The aversive is actually aversive and that you can remove its presence quickly.
- Your corresponding prompting hierarchy includes a controlling prompt if the toddler needs prompting to get to the use of the target behavior.
- All of the above
Is this statement True or False?
Extinction is often used when the toddler engages in the challenging behavior during implementation of reinforcement.
Fill in the blank:
When should extinction not be used?