Abstract
Response disequilibrium theory suggests that a response deficit in a contingent activity (e.g., iPad time) can increase engagement in an instrumental activity (e.g., work completion) to access the contingent activity. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a systematic replication of Falligant and Rooker The Psychological Record, 71, 307–311, (2021) to further demonstrate the generality and applicability of this approach in clinical contexts. Results of the current study align with prior research demonstrating the ability of the disequilibrium approach to quantify the magnitude and direction of predicted change in instrumental activities based on measures of free operant baseline responding. We discuss study findings from a practical standpoint and offer recommendations for future research on the use of response disequilibrium theory for increasing instrumental activities in clinical practice and research.
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Data Availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Megan Ryan wrote portions of the article and implemented study procedures. Hunter King wrote major portions of the article and contributed to data analysis. Emily Chesborough implemented study procedures. John Michael Falligant primarily conceptualized the research, commented on drafts of the article, and assisted with data analysis.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards, and informed consent was obtained for the clinical procedures described herein. Caregiver consent was obtained prior to each participant’s treatment.
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Ryan, M., King, H., Chesbrough, E. et al. Increasing Toy Engagement via Response Disequilibrium Theory: A Systematic Replication. Psychol Rec 74, 219–224 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-024-00601-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-024-00601-4