Self-stimulation and task-related responding: the role of sensory reinforcement in maintaining and extending...

The present study was aimed at (a) eliminating self-stimulation and increasing task-related responding in severely handicapped children, and (b) assessing maintenance and carry-over of treatment effects following the use of sensory reinforcement. The results showed that applying sensory or edible-liquid reinforcement, contingent on low rates of task-related responses, did not increase these responses nor decrease self-stimulation. These behavior changes were obtained with the combination of reinforcement and punishment. Sensory reinforcement was effective in maintaining and extending the treatment results, while edible-liquid contingencies were not.