What does response cost involve in behavior management?

• A. Providing reinforcement for desirable behaviors
• B. Removing reinforcement for a disruptive behavior
• C. Practicing an appropriate behavior after misbehavior
• D. Rewarding incompatible behaviors

Answer: (B)

Response cost is a behavior management strategy that involves the removal of a specific reinforcement when an undesirable or disruptive behavior occurs. This technique operates on the principle that, by taking away a positive consequence, the individual will be discouraged from repeating the behavior in the future.

For instance, if a student loses privileges, such as using certain equipment or participating in a fun activity, after exhibiting disruptive behavior, the removal of those privileges serves as a consequence intended to decrease the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. This method emphasizes shaping behavior through consequences, highlighting the connection between actions and their outcomes.

The other approaches listed involve different strategies for behavior management. For example, providing reinforcement for desirable behaviors focuses on encouraging positive actions rather than addressing negative ones through removal. Practicing appropriate behavior after a misbehavior is more about correcting the behavior without incorporating a loss of something valued. Finally, rewarding incompatible behaviors promotes positive actions that cannot coexist with the disruptive behavior, rather than removing a consequence for the negative behavior.