Document Type
Dissertation
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree
PhD in Behavior Analysis
Dissertation Defense Date
2019
First Committee Member
Hanley, Gregory P.
Second Committee Member
Thompson, Rachel H.
Third Committee Member
Bourret, Jason C.
Additional Committee Member(s)
Palmer, David C.
Abstract
"When problem behavior is controlled by a synthesized reinforcement contingency, a simple omnibus mand that yields access to all reinforcers simultaneously has been shown to effectively replace problem behavior. The question arises as to whether teaching an omnibus mand will preclude the acquisition of specifying mands for each of the combined reinforcers. In this study, after three students diagnosed with autism acquired an omnibus mand (“My way, please”) that yielded all identified reinforcers simultaneously, we attempted to teach specifying mands (e.g., “All done,” “Play with me,” and “May I have my toys?”) to yield each individual reinforcer (e.g., escape, attention, and tangibles). Problem behavior was immediately eliminated for all children, and the omnibus mand was acquired quickly. Teaching an omnibus mand did not preclude acquisition of specifying mands for any learner and instead allowed for the acquisition of specifying mands once problem behavior had been effectively reduced."
Recommended Citation
Ward, Shannon, "Does teaching an omnibus mand preclude the development of specifying mands?" (2019). Doctoral Dissertations - College of Arts and Sciences. 65.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/casdissertations/65