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A preference analysis of reinforcer variation and choice
Laura A Hanratty1, Gregory P Hanley1
1Psychology Department, Western New England University.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|May 14, 2021
Summary
Most participants preferred varied reinforcement and choice of reinforcers over fixed conditions. This study offers insights into optimizing reinforcement strategies for behavioral interventions and teaching.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
- Education
Background:
- Reinforcement procedures are fundamental to behavioral interventions.
- Prior research concentrated on manipulating reinforcement parameters like quality, magnitude, and rate.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the implementation and preference for reinforcer choice and variation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate participant preference for varied reinforcement conditions.
- To assess participant choice of reinforcers within a concurrent-chains arrangement.
- To explore implications for designing effective reinforcement strategies in educational settings.
Main Methods:
- 10 participants, with and without disabilities, were involved.
- Preference assessments for varied reinforcement conditions were conducted.
- A concurrent-chains arrangement was used to evaluate reinforcer choice.
Main Results:
- A majority of participants demonstrated a preference for varied reinforcement conditions.
- Participants subsequently showed a preference for choosing their reinforcers.
- This preference extended beyond previously favored varied reinforcement conditions.
Conclusions:
- Varied reinforcement and the option to choose reinforcers are highly preferred by participants.
- Findings suggest that incorporating choice and variation enhances reinforcement effectiveness.
- Results have significant implications for structuring reinforcement in teaching and therapeutic contexts.
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