Which statement best describes replacement behavior?

• A. The same as the targeted behavior.
• B. A behavior that occurs after the targeted behavior.
• C. A behavior that is punished to reduce the targeted behavior.
• D. A behavior that is incompatible with the targeted behavior and fulfills the same function.

Answer: (D)

Replacement behavior is a behavior that serves the same function as the targeted behavior and is incompatible with it, so you can’t perform both at the same time and the substitute can effectively take the place of the problem. It yields the same outcome (like getting attention, escaping a demand, or gaining a preferred item) but in a safer, more acceptable form. For example, if a child shouts to gain attention, a good replacement would be raising a quiet hand or using a signal to request attention, which fulfills the same need while being incompatible with shouting. The other statements miss one or both parts: the same behavior isn’t a replacement, a post-behavior sequence isn’t a substitute, and punishment does not establish a functional alternative.