QBS, Inc.

High Probability Instruction

In a recent article published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, researchers further reinforced the effects of reinforcement for compliance to high-probability instructions, while using behavioral momentum, can result in increased compliance to low-probability (target) instructions.  High-probability sequences and behavioral momentum strategies utilize the delivery of several (easy) instructions, followed by reinforcement,  that result in compliant client behavior immediately prior to the delivery of a low-probability instruction (ones that usually do not result in compliance).  This intervention has been proven to be effective in increasing client compliance time and time again ever since Mace et al, 1988 article.  This is one of many interventions that QBS Inc provides to staff in Quality Behavior Competencies, as well as, it can be added to Safety-Care in a modular format. 

To access the article go to:
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/index.html

(subscription required)

The new version of the web site has been live for only a week, but already we're adding to it. We just put in a section for testimonial letters. So far, the letters refer to Safety-Care. One is a letter we just received from Brad Beebe, Ph.D., of Bluegrass Oakwood Community Center. He includes a number of wonderful feedback quotes from the people at Bluegrass Oakwood who have been acting as Safety-Care trainers.

You can see all of the testimonial letters here.

Uncooperativeness is a common barrier in many human services settings.

Hakim is a thirty year old man who lives in a group home. He'd like to get a job, but because he often refuses to shower or wear clean clothes, that's very difficult.

Mary is a nine year old girl with learning disabilities. She's banned from the playground because she becomes beligerent and agitated when the teacher asks her to come back in when recess is over.

Joe is an 85 year old man with dementia and several medical conditions. Those conditions are getting worse, because he often refuses to take the medicines his doctor prescribes for him.

Uncooperativeness becomes a significant problem when the person is unable to benefit from instruction, fails to heed safety warnings, becomes belligerent or aggressive, or requires more restrictive placement due to inability to work with others. In many cases, noncompliance is the beginning of a behavioral escalation that can lead to dangerous behaviors.