Persistent, inappropriate behavior will stop when which condition is met?

Persistent, inappropriate behavior will stop when which condition is met?

• A. The student is not getting the desired attention for the behavior
• B. The student is isolated
• C. The student is given more attention
• D. The student is punished more severely

Answer: (A)

Many persistent inappropriate behaviors are driven by a desire for attention. When this attention is withheld, the reinforcement that was maintaining the behavior disappears, so the behavior tends to decrease over time. Therefore, the best condition is that the student is not getting the attention they seek for the behavior. It's most effective to ignore the misbehavior (consistently and safely) while reinforcing and rewarding positive, appropriate actions. Isolating, giving more attention, or increasing punishment typically either fails to change the function of the behavior or can make things worse, whereas withholding attention directly targets the reason the behavior occurred.

Many persistent inappropriate behaviors are driven by a desire for attention. When this attention is withheld, the reinforcement that was maintaining the behavior disappears, so the behavior tends to decrease over time. Therefore, the best condition is that the student is not getting the attention they seek for the behavior. It's most effective to ignore the misbehavior (consistently and safely) while reinforcing and rewarding positive, appropriate actions. Isolating, giving more attention, or increasing punishment typically either fails to change the function of the behavior or can make things worse, whereas withholding attention directly targets the reason the behavior occurred.