ORCID ID
Graduation Date
Summer 8-14-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis
First Advisor
Tara A. Fahmie
Second Advisor
Nicole Rodriguez
Third Advisor
Regina Carroll
Fourth Advisor
Catalina Rey
Abstract
The long-term effectiveness of behavior-analytic interventions relies on the degree to which procedures are implemented as prescribed. In common interventions for challenging behavior, errors of commission may occur when caregivers do not withhold the functional reinforcer for challenging behavior. Although applied and translational research has been conducted on this type of commission error, strategies for mitigating it are less studied. One potential strategy, supported by research in the domains of self-control and delay tolerance, is to provide caregivers with an alternative response that bridges the natural delay between withholding reinforcers and reductions in challenging behavior. In the current study, two versions of a laboratory model were explored, one that programmed both natural and supplemental reinforcers for procedural adherence (approximating a training environment) and the second included only natural reinforcers (approximating a post-training environment). Results showed that errors of commission occurred only when supplemental reinforcers were removed, and in this version of the laboratory model, access to an alternative response decreased commission errors. Results are discussed in relation to both basic and applied research.
Rights
The author holds the copyright to this work and any reuse or permissions must be obtained from the author directly.
Recommended Citation
Kaur, Jasmeen, "An Exploratory Analysis of a Laboratory Model for Mitigating Caregiver Fidelity Errors by Teaching an Alternative Response" (2026). Theses & Dissertations. 1086.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/1086