Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
07:32
Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement
Published on: August 20, 2010
20.1K
Meta-analysis of noncontingent reinforcement effects on problem behavior.
David M Richman1, Lucy Barnard-Brak, Laura Grubb
1Texas Tech University.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|March 11, 2015
Summary
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) significantly reduces problem behavior, with functional reinforcers showing slightly better outcomes than nonfunctional ones. Schedule thinning minimally impacts NCR
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is a widely used intervention to decrease problem behavior.
- Understanding the precise effect sizes and influential variables in NCR is crucial for evidence-based practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the overall effect size of NCR in reducing problem behavior.
- To compare the efficacy of NCR when using functional versus nonfunctional reinforcers.
- To examine the impact of schedule thinning on the effectiveness of NCR.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on data from 55 studies involving 91 participants.
- Hierarchical linear modeling was employed to analyze effect sizes.
- Outcomes were analyzed based on reinforcer type and schedule thinning.
Main Results:
- NCR demonstrated a very strong effect size (d = -1.58) for reducing problem behavior.
- Functional reinforcers were found to be slightly more effective than nonfunctional reinforcers.
- Schedule thinning led to a minor decrease in the effect size of NCR.
Conclusions:
- Meta-analysis of single-case design data provides robust quantitative estimates of intervention effectiveness.
- This methodology aids in identifying key variables influencing intervention outcomes and disseminating research findings.
- NCR is an empirically supported intervention for reducing problem behavior.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Operant Conditioning
3.5K
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...
3.5K
01:21Behavior Modification
975
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...
975
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
674
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...
674
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
773
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...
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...
773
01:06Law of Effect
6.0K
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle...
6.0K
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
1.7K
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...
1.7K