Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Training of Laboratory Animals for Gentle and Stress-Free Handling
Published on: February 16, 2024
Planning Positive Reinforcement Cycles in Behavior Intervention Plans
Kathleen N Zimmerman1, Jessica N Torelli2, Jason C Chow3
1University of Kansas, 1122 W. Campus Rd., JRP 531, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA.
Abstract:
Behavior analysts partner with educators in schools to support the creation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs). Assessment and intervention planning often focuses on the relational contingencies between the student and their environment, with little attention paid to the relational contingencies contacted by the educator. In this article, we posit that planning should simultaneously include contingencies for both the student and the educator as BIPs are created. Specifically, we aim to explore a dual-pathway intervention plan in which student and educator access to reinforcement is simultaneously designed to increase both educators' implementation of high-quality instruction and students' engagement and performance. Procedural steps outlining the duality of intervention planning for both the student and the educator, as well as a theoretical model for considering contextual and reinforcement contingencies for both parties, will be detailed in a step-by-step guide to support readers' creation and implementation of plans to support improved educator and student performance. Planning for supporting both the educator and student may increase sustained, high-quality instruction and improved student outcomes for students with behavioral support needs.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-021-00663-8.
Related Concept Videos
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Punishment
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....
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...

