Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
04:23
A Treatment Package without Escape Extinction to Address Food Selectivity
Published on: August 21, 2015
Prompts, feedback, positive reinforcement, and potty training
Sarah M Halligan1, Paul D Luyben
1Department of Psychology, State University of New York College at Cortland, Cortland, New York 13045, USA.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community
|July 25, 2009
Summary
This study shows a successful potty training intervention for two girls, involving increased fluids, prompting, and rewards. The intervention significantly reduced wet diapers and increased potty use, demonstrating effective behavioral strategies for toilet training.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Behavioral Psychology
- Child Development and Behavior
Background:
- Delayed potty training is a common concern for parents.
- Effective interventions are crucial for successful toilet learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an intervention for improving potty training in young girls.
- To decrease frequency of wet diapers and increase potty use.
Main Methods:
- An intervention combining increased fluid/salty food intake, prompting, and positive reinforcement was implemented.
- An "Princess Underwear!" reward was used as a powerful reinforcer.
- An ABC (A-baseline, B-intervention, A-baseline) design was employed for each child.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in potty use were observed during the intervention phase.
- A significant decrease in the frequency of wet diapers was noted.
- The intervention demonstrated consistent positive effects on toilet training behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The implemented intervention was effective in improving potty training outcomes.
- Behavioral strategies, including reinforcement, can successfully address delayed toilet learning.
- The findings support the intervention's efficacy in promoting independent toileting skills.
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01:23Reinforcement
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01:28Behaviorism
The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
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01:24Reinforcement Schedules
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01:27Punishment
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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.
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01:21Operant Conditioning
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