The relative contributions of preference and functionality in noncontingent reinforcement schedules

<p>Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), the response-independent delivery of reinforcers, has been demonstrated to be an effective response suppression method for a variety of problem behaviors displayed by children. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether preference for specific reinforcers to another context led to greater response suppression through an experimental comparison of NCR with a functional reinforcer versus preferred stimuli. Two preschool-aged children with autism and tantrums maintained by tangible reinforcement participated. Preference values were evaluated through paired-choice and competing stimulus assessments. Three preferred stimuli were selected for NCR-Preferred experimental conditions, based on varied levels of preference (i.e., highest, lowest, moderate). The preference was confirmed to be nonfunctional through arbitrary reinforcement tests. Results indicated that NCR-Functional and NCR-Preferred had suppressive effects across participants, but the predetermined level of preference did not have an effect.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Pawich, Tamara L

Contributors dc:contributor

• James Todd, Ph. D., Committee Chair
• Renee Lajiness-O’Neill, Ph.D
• Ellen Koch, Ph.D

• Reinforcement (Psychology)
• Behavioral assessment
• Behavior therapy
• Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/190

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1189