The Effects of Extinction, Noncontingent Reinforcement, and Differential Reinforcementof Other Behavior as Control Procedures for Contingent Reinforcement
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
Volume
36
Publication Date
2003
First Page
221
Last Page
238
Abstract
Several techniques have been used in applied research as controls for the introduction of a reinforcement contingency, including extinction, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). Little research, however, has examined the relative strengths and limitations of these "reversal" controls. We compared the effects of extinction with those of NCR and DRO in both multi-element and reversal designs, with respect to (a) rate and amount of response decrement, (b) rate of response recovery following reintroduction of reinforcement, and (c) any positive or negative side effects associated with transitions. Results indicated that extinction generally produced the most consistent and rapid reversal effects, with few observed negative side effects.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, R.H., Iwata, B.A., Hanley, G.P., Dozier, C.L., & Samaha, A.L. (2003). The effects of extinction, noncontingent reinforcement, and differential reinforcement of other behavior as control procedures for contingent reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36,221-238.
