Step 3 Monitoring Progress
The following steps describe how the implementation of Negative Reinforcement is monitored and how to adjust the implementation plan based on the data.
3.1 Use progress monitoring data to determine the toddler’s mastery of the skill or behavior
Data must be taken and monitored in order to determine if the planned intervention is working.
Data should be taken on the data sheets developed for the baseline data, unless through the course of intervention it is determined by the team and family that other information will be most useful. By using the same data collection sheets, the team and family can track the toddler’s performance before negative reinforcement was implemented and after it was implemented. Therefore, the team and family will be more able to see if progress increased after they used negative reinforcement. If not, changes will need to be made to the intervention plan.
EXAMPLE
During structured playtime, Peter will request a break from the activity by giving “all done” card, instead of screaming, for 4 of 5 opportunities during 30 minutes of play across 3 days.
|
Date |
# break cards |
# of screams |
Before, during, or after implementation of negative reinforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9/18 |
|
XXXXXXXX |
before |
|
9/18 |
|
XXXXXXX |
before |
|
9/19 |
|
XXXXXXXXXXX |
before |
|
9/20 |
|
XXXXXXXX |
before |
|
9/22 |
XX |
XXXXXXX |
during |
|
9/22 |
XXXX |
XXX |
during |
|
9/23 |
XXXXXX |
XX |
during |
|
9/24 |
XXXXXXX |
|
during |
|
9/25 |
XXXXXXXX |
X |
during |
As is clear from the data, as the visual and negative reinforcement intervention was implemented, Peter replaced the screaming behavior with asking for a break as instructed.
3.2 Adjust negative reinforcement strategies if the target skill or behavior is not increasing
Data collection and review provides visual evidence of the effectiveness of the negative reinforcement strategy being used. If the skill/behavior is not increasing, the EI team and family must try to identify the reason why.
The following questions can help identify the issue if the target behavior is not increasing:
- Is the skill or behavior well defined? Is it measurable and observable?
- Is the negative reinforcer actually aversive to the toddler?
- Is the toddler able to access the removal of the negative reinforcer without using the target skill or behavior?
- Is everyone using the negative reinforcers consistently?
- Is the negative reinforcer being removed immediately as soon as the toddler uses the target skill or behavior?
Practice Scenarios: Monitoring 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
Sample Data Sheet: Monitoring Progress of Negative Reinforcement (Caitlyn's Data)
Sample Data Sheet: Monitoring Progress of Negative Reinforcement (Desmond's Data)
Knowledge Check
Question:
How is collecting implementation data on the same data sheets as baseline data helpful?
Question:
If the toddler is not progressing in their use of the target skill, what questions might the team ask about their use of negative reinforcement.