Van Camp, C. M., Lerman, D. C., Kelley, M. E., Contrucci, S. A., & Vorndran, C. M. (2000).
Variable-time reinforcement schedules in the treatment of socially maintained problem behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
33, 545-557.
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) consists of delivering a
reinforcer on a time-based schedule, independent of responding.
Studies evaluating the effectiveness of NCR as treatment for
problem behavior have used fixed-time (FT) schedules of
reinforcement. In this study, the efficacy of NCR with
variable-time (VT) schedules was evaluated by comparing the
effects of VT and FT reinforcement schedules with 2 individuals
who engaged in problem behavior maintained by positive
reinforcement. Both FT and VT schedules were effective in
reducing problem behavior. These findings suggest that VT
schedules can be used to treat problem behavior maintained by
social consequences.
DESCRIPTORS: developmental disabilities, fixed-time schedules,
functional analysis, noncontingent reinforcement, variable-time
schedules