The article states that it is believed all behavior occurs for a reason. There are four reasons (functions) for this. The four main functions of behavior are:
1) Escape.
2) Attention.
3) Access to tangibles.
4) Automatic reinforcement.
Examples of the functions of behavior.
1) An escape behavior is one where the individual attempts to get out of an activity by acting a certain way. For example, during a lesson, a student does not want to play their instrument, and does not bring their music, hoping that without their music they wont be expected to play.
2) Attention behavior deals with individuals behaving in a manner to get attention, regardless if its positive or not. An example of this is when a Teacher is talking to a student, and another child comes up and interrupts. If the teacher responds, the child learns that interrupting gets attention.
3.) Access to tangibles refers to behaving in order to get either an item (reward) or participate in an activity. This can be positive or negative. For example, a Student wants a food reward. They complete a task and are rewarded, learning that completing a requirement earns a reward.
4.) Automatic reinforcement is the behavior one participates because it feels good. For example a child puts water into their instrument and blows air into it, creating a rhythmic pulsing sound that feels good and is a positive auditory sensory behavior to them.
1) Escape.
2) Attention.
3) Access to tangibles.
4) Automatic reinforcement.
Examples of the functions of behavior.
1) An escape behavior is one where the individual attempts to get out of an activity by acting a certain way. For example, during a lesson, a student does not want to play their instrument, and does not bring their music, hoping that without their music they wont be expected to play.
2) Attention behavior deals with individuals behaving in a manner to get attention, regardless if its positive or not. An example of this is when a Teacher is talking to a student, and another child comes up and interrupts. If the teacher responds, the child learns that interrupting gets attention.
3.) Access to tangibles refers to behaving in order to get either an item (reward) or participate in an activity. This can be positive or negative. For example, a Student wants a food reward. They complete a task and are rewarded, learning that completing a requirement earns a reward.
4.) Automatic reinforcement is the behavior one participates because it feels good. For example a child puts water into their instrument and blows air into it, creating a rhythmic pulsing sound that feels good and is a positive auditory sensory behavior to them.