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A test of the response deprivation hypothesis in a multiple-response context
1Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis 46223.
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|January 1, 1989
Summary
The response deprivation hypothesis shows reinforcement effects depend on the availability of other responses. A low probability response led to consistent reinforcement, while a high probability response attenuated this effect in participants with moderate intellectual disability.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Intellectual disability research
Background:
- The response deprivation hypothesis suggests reinforcement occurs when access to a preferred activity is restricted.
- Understanding reinforcement in individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate reinforcement contingencies based on the response deprivation hypothesis.
- To examine the influence of response probability and context on reinforcement effects.
Main Methods:
- Assessed reinforcement effects in two distinct multiple-response contexts.
- One context featured a freely available low probability response; the other, a high probability response.
- Participants included three individuals with moderate intellectual disability.
Main Results:
- A consistent reinforcement effect was observed when a low probability response was freely available.
- The reinforcement effect was diminished when a high probability response was freely available.
- Results align with mathematical models highlighting the importance of context.
Conclusions:
- The availability of alternative responses significantly modulates reinforcement effectiveness.
- Contextual factors are critical in understanding and applying reinforcement principles.
- Findings support the response deprivation hypothesis and its contextual implications.