Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
Published on: May 14, 2019
Some effects of noncontingent positive reinforcement on multiply controlled problem behavior and compliance in a
Einar T Ingvarsson1, Sungwoo Kahng, Nicole L Hausman
1Department of Psychology, DeBartolo Hall, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, USA. etingvarsson@ysu.edu
Abstract:
Functional analysis suggested that the problem behavior of an 8-year-old girl with autism was maintained by escape from demands and access to edible items. Noncontingent delivery of an edible item was sufficient to increase compliance and reduce the rate of problem behavior without the use of escape extinction in a demand context. Leaner and richer schedules of noncontingent reinforcement were equally effective, and there were minimal differences between noncontingent reinforcement and differential reinforcement of compliance.
Related Concept Videos
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
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...
Law of Effect
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...

