Latest research: Verbal behavior & communication

What it found: This conceptual article explains the intention–behavior gap as a failure of self-instructions to guide behavior when competing contingencies shift preference toward smaller-sooner rather than larger-later reinforcers.

Why it matters: This framework suggests examining and adjusting competing reinforcement contingencies rather than relying on stated intentions alone to produce behavior change.

AI-written summary of the published abstract. Read the original before applying it.

What it found: In a counterbalanced reversal study with 20 participants, statements emphasizing positive versus negative social reinforcement produced no clear difference in responding, but participants who heard positive statements first responded more than those who heard negative statements first.

Why it matters: Supervisors may need to consider the order of motivational statements when communicating with staff, although more research is needed before recommending a particular sequence.

AI-written summary of the published abstract. Read the original before applying it.

What it found: Using a multiple-baseline design, the study found that behavioral skills training with video modeling produced immediate communication improvements across autistic participants in selected community settings, with some generalization and high social validity.

Why it matters: Practitioners can consider combining behavioral skills training and video modeling in participant-preferred community settings to teach useful communication skills.

AI-written summary of the published abstract. Read the original before applying it.

What it found: Researchers used functional analyses to guide teaching three Brazilian children with autism to request tangible items, and all three learned the requests while their disruptive behaviors decreased.

Why it matters: The study supports using functional assessment results to select communication skills that can replace disruptive behavior in everyday practice.

AI-written summary of the published abstract. Read the original before applying it.