Kahng, S., Iwata, B. A., DeLeon, I. G., & Wallace, M. D. (2000).
A comparison of procedures for programming noncontingent reinforcement schedules.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
33, 223-231.
We compared two methods for programming and thinning
noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) schedules during the treatment
of self-injurious behavior (SIB). The participants were 3
individuals who had been diagnosed with mental retardation.
Results of functional analyses indicated that all participants'
SIB was maintained by positive reinforcement (i.e., access to
attention or food). Following baseline, the effects of two NCR
schedule-thinning procedures were compared in multielement
designs. One schedule (fixed increment) was initially set at
fixed-time 10-s reinforcer deliveries and was also thinned
according to fixed-time intervals. The other schedule (adjusting
IRT) was initially determined by participants' baseline
interresponse times (IRTs) for SIB and was thinned based on IRTs
observed during subsequent treatment sessions. Results indicated
that both schedules were effective in initially reducing SIB and
in maintaining response suppression as the schedules were
thinned.
DESCRIPTORS: functional analysis, noncontingent reinforcement,
reinforcement schedules, self injurious behavior