Assessing relapse of reprimands in a virtual reality classroom: A proof of concept

Previous research has demonstrated that when behavior relapses, it may be due to caregiver nonadherence to the treatment plan. This research has primarily focused on caregivers within a clinical setting; therefore, the present study had two primary objectives: (1) to expand the scope by evaluating teacher responding within a classroom environment, and (2) to assess the feasibility of using a virtual reality program to conduct this evaluation. The present study focused on reprimanding out-of-seat behavior in a resurgence procedure. Using virtual reality technology, we immersed participants in a virtual classroom environment while we manipulated virtual student behavior. In baseline, participants’ undesirable responding (i.e, reprimanding out-of-seat behavior) was reinforced by having the virtual student sit down in their seat. Prior to the next phase, we conducted a training on differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) procedures with the participants. In the DRA phase, desirable (i.e., praising in-seat behavior) and undesirable responses were differentially reinforced. Finally, a treatment adherence challenge was implemented in which participants’ responding was placed on extinction. Recurrence of undesirable responding was observed in 50% of participants during the final phase.