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The reductive effects of noncontingent reinforcement fixed-time versus variable-time schedules
J E Carr1, K K Kellum, I M Chong
1Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo 49008-5439, USA. jim.carr@wmich.edu
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 22, 2002
Summary
Fixed-time and variable-time schedules equally reduced target behaviors in adults with mental retardation. This study compared the effectiveness of these two reinforcement schedules in modifying behavior patterns.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Behavioral interventions are crucial for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Understanding reinforcement schedules is key to effective behavior modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) reinforcement schedules.
- To evaluate the impact of FT and VT schedules on reducing previously reinforced behaviors in adults with mental retardation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multielement and reversal designs for robust comparison.
- Assessed response rates under FT and VT schedules against a baseline of variable-ratio reinforcement.
Main Results:
- Both fixed-time and variable-time schedules demonstrated equal effectiveness.
- The target behavior was successfully reduced under both schedule conditions.
Conclusions:
- FT and VT schedules are comparably effective in reducing target behaviors.
- Reinforcement schedule choice may not significantly impact behavior reduction efficacy in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
01:23Reinforcement
Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
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Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
01:27Punishment
Negative reinforcement and punishment are often confused but serve distinct functions in behavior modification. Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, increases the likelihood of a desired behavior, while punishment decreases it.
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior.
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior.
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.
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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.
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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.
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