Understanding Reinforcement in Applied Behavior Analysis
Types of Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement: A behavior is followed by the addition of a stimulus (SD), which strengthens the behavior. The stimulus is presented immediately after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future.
Example: Playing a guitar, and everyone cheers; playing the guitar is strengthened.
Negative Reinforcement: A behavior is followed by the removal of a stimulus (SD), which strengthens the behavior.
Example: Closing a window to stop air from blowing in; closing the window is strengthened.
Conditioned Reinforcement: Learned reinforcers.
- Tangibles (e.g., money)
- Activities
- Social reinforcers
- Generalized reinforcers
Schedules of Reinforcement
Continuous Reinforcement (FR1): Reinforcement is received after each correct response. This is typically used in the initial stages of learning or strengthening a new behavior.
Intermittent Reinforcement: Reinforcement varies from one opportunity to the next. This is most resistant to extinction and is implemented when maintaining behaviors that are already learned.
- Fixed Ratio (FR): A fixed number of responses is required for reinforcement. This schedule produces a steady, high rate of response with pauses after reinforcement (a “break-and-run” pattern).
- Variable Ratio (VR): An average number of responses is required for reinforcement. This schedule produces a steady, very high rate of response with very brief pauses.
- Fixed Interval (FI): A fixed amount of time must pass before reinforcement is available. This schedule produces a low response rate at first, which gradually increases as the time for reinforcement approaches.
- Variable Interval (VI): An average amount of time must pass before reinforcement is available. This schedule produces a steady, medium rate of response with very brief pauses after reinforcement.
Motivating Operations (MO)
Events that temporarily alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer. MOs can make a reinforcer more or less effective. The two most common examples are:
- Satiation: A condition in which an item or event has been used as a reinforcer so many times that it loses its effectiveness and no longer functions as a reinforcer. If someone has recently had access to an item or event, that item or event is less likely to function as a reinforcer.
- Deprivation: The time before a training session during which an individual does not experience or is deprived of a reinforcer.
Differential Reinforcement (DR)
Reinforcing a desired behavior while withholding reinforcement for an undesirable behavior.
- DR of Incompatible Behaviors (DRI): Reinforcing an alternative behavior that cannot be done at the same time as the target behavior.
Examples:
- Whispering instead of yelling.
- Sitting instead of standing.
- Putting hands in pockets instead of touching peers.
- Holding a pencil in one hand and an eraser in the other instead of picking one’s nose.
- DR of Alternate Behaviors (DRA): Reinforcement of an alternative behavior.
Example: A client using sign language for “break” instead of yelling.
- DR of Other Behaviors (DRO): Providing reinforcement after a period of time when the target behavior does not occur.
Example: If a client walks down the hall without kicking anyone, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) will allow the client to use an iPad.