This comparison draws in part from “Consequence strategies” (ABA Courses), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →When the clinical goal is to reduce problem behavior, two broad consequence-based strategies are available: extinction, which involves withholding the reinforcing consequence that has been maintaining the behavior, and differential reinforcement, which combines extinction of the problem behavior with reinforcement of an alternative, incompatible, or other behavior. Both procedures have empirical support, but their relative effectiveness, implementation demands, and ethical profiles differ in important ways.
Extinction alone, when implemented in isolation, can produce reliable reductions in problem behavior over time, but it also produces predictable extinction bursts, potential resurgence, and emotional responding that can be challenging in clinical settings. Differential reinforcement procedures combine extinction with a positive reinforcement component that teaches the learner an appropriate way to access the same maintaining reinforcer, producing faster and more durable behavior reduction with fewer adverse side effects. The behavior analytic evidence base consistently supports the combination of extinction and differential reinforcement as more effective than either procedure implemented alone.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Extinction: withholds the maintaining reinforcer following problem behavior; behavior decreases through non-reinforcement | Differential reinforcement: withholds reinforcer following problem behavior AND delivers it following alternative behavior |
| Extinction burst risk | Extinction alone: predictable extinction burst; behavior may temporarily worsen before improving | Differential reinforcement: burst still possible but may be attenuated by the availability of an alternative reinforcement pathway |
| Skill building | Extinction alone: reduces problem behavior but does not teach an adaptive replacement behavior | Differential reinforcement: simultaneously reduces problem behavior and builds an appropriate alternative behavior |
| Consistency demands | Extinction alone: all people in the learner's environment must withhold the reinforcer consistently | Differential reinforcement: extinction consistency required plus consistent reinforcement of alternative behavior across all implementers |
| Ethical profile | Extinction alone: minimally intrusive but does not address skill deficit underlying the problem behavior | Differential reinforcement: more comprehensive; preferred because it teaches functional alternative behavior |
| Best clinical context | Extinction alone: when problem behavior is minor, when the learner already has alternative behaviors in repertoire, or as a component of a DRA program | Differential reinforcement: when problem behavior is function-maintained, when the learner lacks an appropriate alternative, or when a comprehensive function-matched plan is needed |
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Use this framework when approaching consequence strategies in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Consequence strategies — ABA Courses · 1 BACB General CEUs · $0
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
165 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB General CEUs · $0 · ABA Courses
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Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.