Target behavior selection

Target behavior selection

When the behavior of concern is a problem (i.e., challenging) behavior, consider selecting a desired or alternative behavior as a beneficial alternative.

It can be quite difficult to define the seemingly endless number of problem behaviors.

It is often easier and more beneficial to select and define the desired behaviors. Examples:

• Select compliance instead of non-compliance.
• Select on-task (or active engagement) instead of off-task.

Although there are hundreds of ways to be off-task, there are far fewer on-task (or active engagement) behaviors to define. Example: “Active engagement” may include visually tracking when the teacher is giving instruction or directions, orally responding to questions, and asking or raising hand to request assistance.

Added benefits of selecting the desired behaviors may include:

• more easily planning reinforcement strategies for the desired behaviors
• better measurement of the intervention results

Refer to the guide to defining behaviors on this website for assistance in writing specific definitions of the identified behaviors.