Reinforcement Basics
What is the definition of reinforcement?
A consequence that increases the future likelihood of a behavior.
What schedule provides reinforcement after every correct response?
Continuous Reinforcement (CRF).
Is a therapist giving a Skittle after a correct response natural or contrived?
Contrived.
What’s the first thing you should do if reinforcement stops working?
Re-assess preferences.
What is a token economy?
A system where individuals earn tokens for target behaviors and exchange them for backup reinforcers.
Name the two types of reinforcement.
Positive and Negative Reinforcement.
Which schedule is based on time and produces a scalloped pattern?
Fixed Interval (FI).
Give an example of a natural reinforcer for manding.
Answer Varies: Ex. Getting a drink after asking for “water.”
What tool is commonly used to identify preferred items?
Preference Assessment.
What makes a token system effective?
Clear contingencies, consistency, and motivating backup reinforcers.
True or False: All preferred items are reinforcers.
False. Only if they increase behavior.
Which schedule results in high, steady rates of responding and is based on number of responses?
Variable Ratio (VR).
Why is natural reinforcement important for generalization?
It better matches real-world consequences and increases independence.
True or False: Satiation is when a reinforcer becomes more effective.
False. Satiation reduces its effectiveness.
What should you do if a client stops working for tokens?
Re-evaluate the backup reinforcer and system expectations.
Give an example of negative reinforcement.
Turning off a loud noise when a task is completed.
What schedule is being used: A child receives a break after every 3 completed tasks?
Fixed Ratio (FR3).
How can you transition from contrived to natural reinforcement?
Pair contrived reinforcers with natural ones and fade out the contrived over time.
If a student engages in problem behavior instead of completing a task, what might be the issue with your reinforcement strategy?
Reinforcement may be accidentally maintaining the problem behavior.
What is the purpose of the exchange rate in a token system?
It determines how many tokens are needed for a reinforcer—maintains motivation and value.
What’s the difference between a reinforcer and a bribe?
Reinforcers follow behavior and increase it; bribes are offered before the behavior and often reinforce problem behavior.
Which schedule is most resistant to extinction?
Variable Ratio (e.g., slot machines).
True or False: Natural reinforcement is only used in NET.
False. It can be used in any context.
You deliver a reinforcer, but the behavior decreases. What might have happened?
The stimulus was not actually a reinforcer—it may have functioned as a punisher.
Name one strategy for fading a token economy.
Increase token requirement, use more natural reinforcers, or delay exchange gradually.