Marcus, B. A., & Vollmer, T. R. (1996).
Combining noncontingent reinforcement and differential reinforcement schedules as treatment for aberrant behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
29, 43-51.
Research has shown that noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) can be
an effective behavior-reduction procedure when based on a
functional analysis. The effects of NCR may be a result of
elimination of the contingency between aberrant behavior and
reinforcing consequences (extinction) or frequent and free access
to reinforcers that may reduce the participant's motivation to
engage in aberrant behaviors or mands. If motivation is
momentarily reduced, behavior such as mands may not be sensitive
to positive reinforcem ent. In this study, for 3 children with
aberrant behavior maintained by tangible positive reinforcement,
differential-reinforcement-of-alternative-behavior schedules were
superimposed on NCR schedules to determine if mands could be
strengthened. Results for the participants indicated that NCR did
not preclude reinforcement of mands.
DESCRIPTORS: self-injurious behavior, tangible positive
reinforcement, noncontingent reinforcement, differential
reinforcement