Date Approved
2008
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Psychology
Committee Member
James Todd, Ph. D., Committee Chair
Committee Member
Renee Lajiness-O’Neill, Ph.D
Committee Member
Ellen Koch, Ph.D
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Pawich, Tamara L., "The relative contributions of preference and functionality in noncontingent reinforcement schedules" (2008). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 190.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/190