Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Effects of two variations of differential reinforcement on prompt dependency
Catia Cividini-Motta1, William H Ahearn
1The New England Center for Children, Northeastern University.
Abstract:
Prompt dependency is an often referenced but little studied problem. The current study evaluated 2 iterations of differential reinforcement (DR) for overcoming prompt dependency and facilitating skill acquisition with 4 individuals who had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Preference and reinforcer assessments were conducted to determine moderately and highly preferred reinforcers for each participant. Three sets of word-picture relations were taught to each of the participants using 1 of 3 DR procedures. Reinforcement for independent responses entailed delivery of the highest preference stimulus across all 3 procedures. Consequences for prompted responses entailed delivery of the highest preference stimulus (no DR), delivery of the moderately preferred stimulus (DR high/moderate), or no delivery of reinforcers (DR high/extinction). Results indicated that the DR high/moderate condition was most effective for 3 of 4 participants, whereas the DR high/extinction condition was most effective for the remaining participant.
Related Concept Videos
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
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...
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
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...

