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January 29, 2021 by [post_author_posts_link_outside_loop] 1 Comment

From the Archives – Functions of Behavior: Tangibles



A look at behaviors with the goal of accessing tangible reinforcers.

The third function of behavior seems to be the one that we most often think of when we see inappropriate behaviors. This function is seen when behavior is to gain access to something tangible. Tangibles can be a powerful reinforcer that we often use to our advantage in ABA therapy, however, it’s important that we make sure to manage them, so they don’t lose their reinforcement value.

It might be common to see a child sprint away from a task or teacher and attempt to snatch a preferred toy or snack from a nearby table. While we may want to use that reinforcer to gain compliance and work through programs, we also must make sure we don’t allow the behavior of eloping from a task to be reinforced by letting them gain access to that reinforcer. In ABA therapy we must be vigilant in managing our surroundings to ensure we are in control of the access to reinforcement.

Access to Tangibles is the function any time a behavior is reinforced by an individual engaging in behavior to gain access to something physical. Tangibles can be toys, food, or even something that doesn’t seem very fun. We’ve all seen children go through stages of being very interested in everyday items. Ties, microphones, the Tupperware cabinet, or the broom are some unexpected reinforcers that come to mind, personally.


Jimmy’s “Neutrals”

Today, while his teacher is getting ready, Jimmy spills his juice on the table. Jimmy’s teacher gives him the puzzle to occupy him while she cleans up the juice.

Jimmy has learned that he can spill his juice to delay his work and get more time with the puzzle. If he enjoys the puzzle it is possible spilling his juice could become a behavior.

What we could do

If Jimmy’s teacher completes a preference assessment she will find that the puzzle has become a reinforcer and is not a neutral anymore. The puzzle could be more effectively used as a reinforcer.


iPad Time

After earning all her tokens, Laura gets 4 minutes to play her favorite game on the iPad. When her timer expires, Laura’s teacher says, “Our break is over, please give me the iPad.” Laura pushes her teachers hand away and whines loudly.

Laura’s resistance and whining are to get more time with the iPad.

What we could do

While it’s almost impossible to avoid all inappropriate behaviors, there are steps we could take to reduce them before they present present themselves. In this example, Laura might benefit from being given transition warnings. Transition warnings are simply notifying the student throughout the break how much time they have left with the activity. A 30-second interval is often a good place to start.

Regardless of steps taken to ease transition, in ABA therapy we will follow through with the demand we have placed. Despite Laura’s whining and resistance, we will still take the iPad so as not to reinforce the inappropriate behavior.


Though tangibles seem like the easier function to notice, we still rely on continuous data and historical information to hypothesize it as a function. As time goes on we will document occurrences and the outcomes. Over time it will become clearer if the behavior truly was for the tangible or if there might be a stronger reinforcer at play. Furthermore, it is always possible for a behavior to serve two functions.

Filed Under: Functions of Behavior Tagged With: Applied Behavior Therapy, Behavior Science, Functions of behavior, Keystone Achievements

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Comments

  1. StanHarris says

    January 29, 2021 at 6:24 am

    This looks great Colin!

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About Learning Keystones

Learning Keystone’s clinical philosophy is one that acknowledges the validity of the criticism as we seek to evolve Applied Behavior Analysis through a mindset that sees people rather than a diagnosis or behavior. We categorically reject demand and control styles of ABA because it damages the individual, is unethical, and will not be part of our practice. We reject any ABA practice in which the goal is assimilation rather adaptation, control rather than choice, or compliance rather than cooperation.

Read more on the Our Philosophy page!

About Keystone Achievements

Keystone Achievements is a Colorado Springs based organization providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma informed care in center, home, and community settings. Since our inception in late 2017 we have relentlessly focused on providing phenomenal behavior support and training resources for those in our community. Learning Keystones was born out of that drive.

Learn more about Keystone Achievements here!

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