Establishing a Desirable Behavior by Using Escape

and Avoidance Conditioning

Chapter 13

Escape Conditioning

• Removal of aversive stimuli after response, increases likelihood of response

• Negative Reinforcement• Aversive stimulus must be present

for desired response to occur• Preparatory training for Avoidance

Conditioning

Escape Conditioning

Avoidance Conditioning

• Behavior will increase in frequency if it prevents an aversive stimulus from occurring

• Prevents an aversive stimulus from occurring

Avoidance Conditioning

Discriminated Avoidance Conditioning

• Includes a warning signal of forthcoming aversive stimulus– Conditioned aversive stimulus –

warning stimulus

• The aversive stimulus becomes the conditioned punisher after warning

Pitfall of Escape and Avoidance Conditioning

• Undesirable behavior may be strengthened

• Inadvertent establishment of conditioned aversive stimuli– Individual responds by avoiding or

escaping them

• Maintains undesirable behaviors of the teacher or other caregivers

Guidelines for the Effective Application

• Avoidance procedure preferable over escape procedure

• Target behavior should be established by escape conditioning before it is put on an avoidance procedure

• Use warning signal to signal impending aversive stimulus during avoidance conditioning

• Use escape and avoidance conditioning cautiously

• Use positive reinforcement in conjunction with escape and avoidance conditioning

• Individuals should be told about the contingencies