Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
09:12
Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Variable-time reinforcement schedules in the treatment of socially maintained problem behavior
C M Van Camp1, D C Lerman, M E Kelley
1Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) using variable-time (VT) schedules effectively reduces problem behavior. This approach, alongside fixed-time (FT) schedules, offers a viable treatment for behaviors maintained by positive reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Applied behavior analysis
- Behavioral interventions
Background:
- Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is a treatment strategy that delivers reinforcers on a time-based schedule, irrespective of the individual's behavior.
- Previous research primarily utilized fixed-time (FT) schedules to evaluate NCR's effectiveness in treating problem behaviors.
- Problem behaviors maintained by positive reinforcement require effective intervention strategies.
Observation:
- This study investigated the efficacy of variable-time (VT) schedules within NCR for treating problem behavior.
- The research compared the impact of VT schedules against traditional FT schedules.
- Two individuals exhibiting problem behavior maintained by positive reinforcement participated in the study.
Findings:
- Both fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) schedules of noncontingent reinforcement were effective in reducing problem behavior.
- The study demonstrated that VT schedules are a viable alternative to FT schedules for NCR.
- The effectiveness of both schedules was observed in individuals with problem behavior maintained by positive reinforcement.
Implications:
- Variable-time (VT) schedules can be successfully employed as a component of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) interventions.
- These findings support the use of VT schedules for treating problem behaviors, particularly those maintained by social consequences.
- The study expands the application of NCR by validating the efficacy of VT schedules in behavioral interventions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
Once a behavior is learned,...
Once a behavior is learned,...
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
01:21Behavior Modification
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...