ABA glossary
Response cost
Definition
The loss of a specific amount of a reinforcer, such as tokens, points, or minutes of an activity, contingent on a behavior. It is a negative punishment procedure when it decreases the behavior.
In plain words
Response cost works like a fine. The person has something valuable, and a set amount is taken away each time the problem behavior occurs. It is often built into token economies and point systems. It is quick to deliver and does not require removing the person from the activity. It only works if the person has reinforcers to lose and if the loss matters to them.
Example from a session
Jada earns tokens for completed work. Her plan says that each time she hits, one token is removed from her board, and she can never go below zero. When Jada hits, the RBT calmly says, "Hitting costs one token," removes it, and continues the lesson. The RBT records hits and token removals and keeps delivering tokens for work so that Jada's board does not sit empty.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Analysts define the exact cost per behavior in advance, keep it proportional, and ensure the person cannot accumulate a debt that makes reinforcement unreachable, which can produce escape or aggression. Bonus response cost (removing reinforcers from an extra, freely given reserve) protects earned reinforcers. Response cost should be combined with richer reinforcement for appropriate behavior, and analysts monitor for side effects and for the person refusing to give up tokens, which needs a written plan rather than a struggle.
Often confused with time-out from positive reinforcement, extinction
Response cost removes a specific amount of reinforcer the person already has (a fine). Time-out removes access to reinforcement for a period of time. Extinction withholds the reinforcer that maintained the behavior. Losing two tokens is response cost; losing the chance to earn tokens for 2 minutes is time-out.
Exam tip
"Lost points," "fined," or "token removed" means response cost. If the person is removed from reinforcement for a period right after the behavior (the game is paused, they sit out), it is time-out; minutes or points deducted from a bank to be used later are response cost.
Can you spot response cost in a scenario?
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