Final answer:
To suppress the behavior of hitting a sibling, one could use punishment, extinction, differential reinforcement, and antecedent manipulation, with each strategy serving a unique role in behavior modification.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we wanted to suppress the behavior of hitting a sibling, we would consider four major ways in a hierarchical order according to behavior modification principles:
- Punishment: Introducing an undesirable consequence immediately following the hitting behavior to reduce its occurrence.
- Extinction: Withholding the reinforcing outcome that follows the hitting behavior, thereby reducing the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.
- Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing an alternative, positive behavior that serves as a replacement for hitting, while not reinforcing the hitting behavior itself.
- Antecedent Manipulation: Changing the environment or the circumstances that precede the hitting behavior to prevent it from occurring.
Each of these methods provides a strategy for behavior modification, often used in both educational and clinical settings. It's important to implement these tactics consistently and in a way that the individual understands the connection between their behavior and the consequences or lack thereof.