timeout procedure
Pronunciation: TIME-out
A punishment technique involving temporary removal of access to reinforcement following inappropriate behavior.
Full Definition
Timeout (time-out from positive reinforcement) is a behavioral intervention where an individual is temporarily denied access to reinforcing activities, attention, or materials contingent upon problem behavior. There are several types including exclusionary timeout (removal from the environment), non-exclusionary timeout (remaining in the environment but losing access to reinforcement), and isolation timeout (placement in a separate location). Effective timeout procedures require a reinforcing baseline environment, clear behavioral criteria for implementation, predetermined duration, and consistent application. Legal and ethical guidelines often regulate timeout use, particularly in educational and clinical settings.
Usage
Usage note: May be written as 'time-out' or 'timeout'; requires documentation of safety protocols and duration limits.
In Context
- "The timeout procedure involved three minutes of restricted access to preferred activities." — Behavior intervention plan
- "Timeout was ineffective because the classroom environment was not sufficiently reinforcing." — Intervention evaluation