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A method for identifying satiation versus extinction effects under noncontingent reinforcement schedules
S W Kahng1, B A Iwata, R H Thompson
1Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. Kahng@kennedykrieger.org
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) effectively reduced problem behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities. The study found that the mechanism behind NCR
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities Research
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) and aggression in individuals with developmental disabilities are often maintained by social-positive reinforcement.
- Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is a strategy used to decrease problem behaviors by providing reinforcement on an intermittent schedule, independent of the target behavior.
Observation:
- This study examined whether response suppression under NCR is caused by satiation or extinction.
- Three participants with developmental disabilities exhibiting SIB or aggression were assessed using functional analyses and NCR procedures.
- Cumulative records were analyzed to observe response patterns during and after NCR sessions.
Findings:
- NCR procedures led to a reduction in problem behaviors for all participants.
- The underlying mechanism (satiation vs. extinction) driving NCR's effectiveness varied among participants.
- For one participant, the operative mechanism appeared to change during the course of treatment.
Implications:
- Understanding the specific mechanism of NCR (satiation or extinction) is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Treatment effectiveness may depend on individual responses to reinforcement schedules.
- Further research is needed to explore the dynamic nature of NCR mechanisms in clinical practice.