Hagopian, L. P., Crockett, J. L., van Stone, M., DeLeon, I. G., & Bowman, L. G. (2000).
Effects of noncontingent reinforcement on problem behavior and stimulus engagement: The role of satiation, extinction, and alternative reinforcement.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
33, 433-449.
This study examined the effects of noncontingent reinforcement
(NCR) with and without extinction on problem behavior and
stimulus engagement (consumption of reinforcement) of 4
participants. Reductions in problem behavior using NCR have
frequently been attributed to both satiation of the reinforcer
and extinction. In the current study, aspects of the NCR
treatment effects were difficult to explain based solely on
either a satiation or an extinction account. Specifically, it was
found that stimulus engagement remained high throughout the NCR
treatment analysis, and that problem behavior was reduced to
near-zero levels during NCR without extinction. The implications
of these findings are discussed with respect to the satiation and
extinction hypotheses frequently described in the applied
literature. Findings from basic studies examining the effects of
response-independent schedules are presented, and are used as the
basis for a matching theory account of NCR-related effects. It is
proposed that reductions in problem behavior observed during NCR
interventions may be a function of the availability of
alternative sources of reinforcement.
DESCRIPTORS: _alternative reinforcement, extinction, matching
theory, noncontingent reinforcement, problem behavior, satiation