Behavioral momentum, also known as the High Probability Sequence, is a powerful technique used to increase the likelihood of compliance with less preferred tasks by building up momentum with easier, highly preferred tasks. This method is especially effective for tasks or behaviors where the individual may typically try to escape or avoid the task.
How It Works
The key idea is to start with 3-4 simple demands or tasks that the individual is highly likely to comply with. These could be tasks like answering easy math problems, performing simple physical actions, or putting on easy pieces of clothing. After completing these highly preferred tasks, the individual is then presented with the less preferred task—like a more difficult math problem or a more challenging piece of clothing. The momentum built from completing the easier tasks increases the likelihood that they will comply with the more difficult task.
Importance of Simplicity
For this technique to be effective, it’s essential to keep the initial demands simple and present them in rapid succession to maintain the momentum of compliance. For example:
- Provide a few bites of a highly preferred food before offering a less preferred food.
- Present several easy math problems followed by a more challenging one.
- Ask the child to put on easy pieces of clothing before attempting a more difficult garment.
Persistence Through Behavioral Momentum
Behavioral momentum is a concept within behavior analysis that explains the persistence of behavior, even in the face of disruptions or challenges. Once momentum is built through reinforcement, individuals are more likely to continue engaging in a behavior, even if the task becomes more difficult or less preferred.
Here are a few practical applications of behavioral momentum across various settings:
1. Reinforcement Density and Magnitude
The more consistently behaviors are reinforced, especially with strong or frequent reinforcers, the more persistent the behavior becomes. For example, if a student frequently receives praise or rewards for completing easy math problems, they are more likely to persist when the problems get harder.
2. Establishing Operations
Establishing operations (EOs) can be used to increase the value of a reinforcer, thereby making the behavior more resistant to disruption. For instance, if someone is hungry, behaviors related to obtaining food (e.g., following instructions to earn a snack) are more likely to persist due to the increased value of food as a reinforcer.
3. Behavioral Momentum in Instructional Settings
In the classroom, behavioral momentum can be strategically applied by starting lessons with tasks the learner finds easy and gradually introducing more difficult tasks. This momentum helps the learner stay engaged and persist through challenges.
4. Behavioral Momentum in Parenting
Parents can use behavioral momentum to build routines and increase a child’s compliance with less preferred tasks. Start with simple, enjoyable activities (like playtime or simple chores) and then introduce more complex or less enjoyable tasks, like homework or clean-up. This approach helps maintain a positive flow in the child’s behavior.
5. Behavioral Momentum in Clinical Interventions
Behavioral momentum is especially valuable in clinical settings, such as interventions for individuals with autism or developmental disorders. Therapists can begin sessions with tasks the individual enjoys and gradually introduce more challenging tasks, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
6. Graduated Exposure Therapy
In therapies for anxiety disorders, behavioral momentum is used through graduated exposure therapy. By starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and slowly moving to more challenging scenarios, individuals build momentum and confidence in facing their fears.
Behavioral momentum is a versatile and practical strategy used across different fields—from education and parenting to clinical interventions. By using high probability sequences, you can build up compliance, making it easier for individuals to engage in and complete more challenging or less preferred tasks. Understanding this concept helps facilitate smoother transitions between tasks and encourages persistence in behavior.
