Lalli, J. S., Casey, S. D., & Kates, K. (1997).
Noncontingent reinforcement as treatment for severe problem behavior: Some procedural variations.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
30, 127-137.
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) as a treatment for problem
behavior has typically included (a) continuous access to
reinforcers at the onset of treatment and (b) extinction. We
extended research on NCR by conducting a three-phase preliminary
investigation of these components. In Phase 1, a functional
analysis showed that the problem behavior of 3 participants with
developmental disabilities was maintained by tangible pos itive
reinforcement. In Phase 2, treatment started with the initial NCR
interval based on the latency to the first problem behavior
during baseline. In Phase 3, treatment consisted of NCR without
extinction to determine whether extinction was an essential
treatment component. Results showed that the initial NCR schedule
based on latency (Phase 2) and NCR without extinction (Phase 3)
were effective for reducing rates of problem behavior compared
with baseline. Findings are discussed regarding the initial
schedule of reinforcement and extinction as components of NCR.
DESCRIPTORS: aggression, extinction, noncontingent reinforcement,
self injurious behavior, tangible reinforcement