The student engages in the problem behavior only when you ask him to do something. Which of these is the most likely reason for the behavior?

The most likely reason for the behavior in this context is that the student wants to escape the task. When a student only engages in problem behaviors in response to being asked to perform a task, it often indicates that the demand of the task is aversive to them. This means they may find the task difficult, boring, or overwhelming, leading them to want to avoid or escape from it.

In behavior analysis, escape from demands is a common function of problem behavior. By engaging in this behavior, the student may effectively avoid the task, which reinforces the escape behavior. This reinforces the idea that in challenging situations where tasks are presented, the student seeks to alleviate the uncomfortable feelings associated with those tasks by exhibiting problem behavior.

Understanding that the behavior serves an escape function can inform the approach taken to modify it. Strategies may include gradually increasing task difficulty, providing breaks, or using modifications to help the student engage more positively with the tasks presented.