Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Reinforcer
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…any event that follows the occurrences of a behavior and increases the
probability (or rate) of that behavior
›
…the reinforcer must be a consequence-it must come after a behavior
›
Immediacy of reinforcers is more effective
Reinforcement
›
The procedure used to increase the probability (or rate) of a behavior by
arranging for a reinforcer to follow it
Reinforcement Techniques
Behavior
Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Habit Development
Habit
_______
_______
Aware
Unskilled
_______
_______
_______
_______
Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Extinction
›
A procedure for decreasing the rate of a behavior
›
Stopping the delivery of a reinforcer that has followed a behavior in the
past
›
Causing a decrease in the future probability or rate of the behavior
Schedules of Reinforcement
Continuous Schedule of Reinforcement
›
A reinforcer occurs every time an identified behavior occurs (1 to 1)
›
Primarily used to teach and shape a behavior
›
Very susceptible to extinction
Intermittent Schedule of Reinforcement
›
Reinforcement is scheduled to occur following only some behavioral occurrences
›
Primarily used to maintain a behavior
›
Increases resistance to extinction
›
Helps decrease satiation
Two Types of Intermittent Schedules
›
Ratio Schedules
›
›
Reinforcing after a frequency count from the last reinforcement
Interval Reinforcement
›
Reinforcing after a passage of time from the last reinforcement
Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Ratio Schedules
›
›
Fixed
›
A reinforcer is administered every time the identified number of responses
occur (FR5)
›
Post Reinforcement Pause
Variable
›
A reinforcer is administered when a varied number of responses occur
(VR5)
›
Variable schedules produce a greater resistance to extinction
Interval Schedules
›
Fixed
›
›
A reinforcer is administered only after a fixed length of time passes and
the identified response occurs. (FI 7)
Variable
›
A reinforcer is administered only after a varied length of time passes and
the identified response occurs. (VI 7)
(Note: Responses occurring during the interval period are not reinforced, only after the interval
has concluded.)
Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Behavioral Effect of the Intermittent Schedules
Using Reinforcement Schedules to Enhance Skill
Internalization
Contact Information
James Gross
James.Gross@boystown.org
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1-800-448-3000
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www.boystowntraining.org
1-800-545-5771
Boys Town Press
www.boystownpress.org
1-800-282-6657
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