Analyze the classroom behavior of a student, Laura, and explain what further assessment is needed before attempting to implement extinction to stop her behavior.

Assignment Question

“Just ignore her and she will stop eventually” is advice heard in many classrooms and teacher lounges. This tactic technique might be extinction if the action withheld the previous sources of reinforcement for the behavior. Using extinction to change behavior requires much more than the apparent simple step of ignoring the behavior.

For this Assignment, analyze the classroom behavior of a student, Laura, and explain what further assessment is needed before attempting to implement extinction to stop her behavior. You will also consider what environmental characteristics might make this method of behavior change difficult to implement.

TO PREPARE Review the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media programs, to develop an understanding of applying extinction as an intervention. Consider the following scenario: You are a behavioral analyst in a classroom environment, and you observe Laura, who is frequently talking out of turn in class. A functional assessment suggests that her behavior is being maintained by teacher attention. What do you need to assess to determine if extinction is an appropriate intervention in this scenario?

Assignment (1–2 pages): Explain what you need in order to assess if extinction is an appropriate intervention in the scenario. Include in your explanation the difficulties in implementing extinction in this context. Justify your explanation. Be sure to support your Assignment with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or the internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your Assignment. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.