Further analysis of problem behavior in response class hierarchies

A functional analysis identified the reinforcers for 3 participants' proble m behavior, but only relatively mild problem behaviors (e.g., screaming, di sruption) were observed when all topographies produced rested consequences. We then conducted an extinction analysis in which specific topographies pr oduced a reinforcer while all other topographies were on extinction. The ex tinction analysis confirmed that the same reinforcer identified in the init ial functional analysis maintained more severe topographies of problem beha vior (e.g., aggression). In addition, results of the extinction analysis in dicated that 2 of the participants displayed patterns of responding consist ent with a response class hierarchy hypothesis, in which less severe proble m behavior frequently occurred prior to more severe topographies. The 3rd p articipant displayed a response pattern indicative of differential reinforc ement effects.