Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats
Published on: February 15, 2015
Multiple Schedules Facilitate Rapid Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedule Thinning
Michael E Kelley1, Ronald J Clark2, Kacie M McGarry2
1The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA USA.
Abstract:
We evaluated a noncontingent reinforcement treatment that included initial brief exposures to signaled alternation of availability and nonavailability of reinforcement, followed by rapid schedule thinning. Results confirmed findings from previous research (typically with differential reinforcement schedules) that establishing stimulus control across multiple treatment components facilitated schedule thinning. We discuss both the clinical utility of this procedure and the utility of stimulus control for making interventions more practical for clinicians.
Related Concept Videos
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
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...
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...
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...

