the tactile consequence of the behavior. There are some drawbacks with extinction such as a delayed reaction and/or lack of generalization. The individual continues to seek the reinforcer and it may take time to see any results. There is usually an increased rate and/or intensity of the behavior before any reduction results are present. In other words, it is going to get worse before it gets better. Once extinction is successful in one setting there is no guarantee that it will generalize into another setting. Therefore, programming extinction may be required in all necessary environments. Response CostResponse Cost is the removal of a previously earned reward or reinforcer contingent upon specific inappropriate behavior. Minutes of recess, free time, or access to another preferred activity or points toward earning a reinforcing item or activity may be lost for each misbehavior (Kauffman, 1997, p. 355). Response cost is a punisher which is the least likely to generate strong emotional side effects or resistance. A punisher is a consequent stimulus that decreases the future rate and/or probability of occurrence of behavior. Punishment should be delivered contingently upon the exhibition of the inappropriate behavior and it must be immediate. A punisher can be identified only by its effect on the behavior. If the behavior does not decrease or stop upon the administration of a punisher then it is not considered to be a punisher for that individual. A young man with severe mental retardation exhibited SIB which consisted of fist-to-head hitting and head banging. This self-injury resulted in tissue damage in the form of scarring, bleeding, and bruising to his hands, wrists, and head. The behavior was being maintained by attention from an adult. Response cost was used to decrease the occurrence of SIB. A therapist was placed in a room with the young man. The therapist and he would play games or indulge in brief conversation. The therapist ga...
