Strengthening Behaviour

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Strengthening Behaviour

• Applications of Strengthening Behaviour
• When a client learns a new behaviour
• 2. When a client increases the frequency of an
  existing behaviour.
• 3. When a client continues to utilize a
  behaviour that is already adaptive (maintain)

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Strengthening Behaviour
There are two ways to strengthen
behaviour. Positive reinforcement Behaviour is
strengthened by presenting a pleasing event or
reward after a behaviour has occurred. Negative
reinforcement Behaviour is strengthened by
removing or avoiding an aversive consequence
after the behaviour occurs.
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Positive Reinforcement
Use of Positive reinforcement is the
ideal. Situations where positive reinforcement
is difficult. When the target behaviour is
infrequent and the maladaptive behaviour is
frequent. In these situations it is difficult to
change the behaviour through positive
reinforcement alone.
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Influencing the Effectiveness of Reinforcement

• Clients must know exactly what behaviour is
  required to receive reinforcement.
• 2. Only reward acceptable behaviour. C.A.P.
  (criteria of acceptable performance)
• Select a reinforcer that is valued by the
  client.
• Use the optimum level of reward only. (just
  enough)(just often enough)
• 5. Reinforce as immediately as possible.
• 6. Reinforce according to a schedule -
  continuous, fixed, variable.

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Influencing the Effectiveness of Reinforcement
7. Reinforce behaviour that approximates the
target behaviour. 8. Model the target behaviour
if possible. 9. Dont overuse the reward. 10.
Program for generalization and maintenance of new
behaviours 11. Combine social reinforcement with
other forms of reinforcement 12. Use the least
intrusive, least complicated, and least
artificial reward system.
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Types of Reinforcers
Primary (unlearned) Reinforcers that are
naturally rewarding. Secondary
(learned) Secondary reinforcers must be paired
with a primary reinforcer to develop
reinforcement properties Social
reinforcers Tangible reinforcers -
prizes Activity reinforcers Token reinforcers
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Schedules of Reinforcement
Continuous Reinforced on every display of the
behaviour Fixed interval schedule Behaviour is
reinforced during a specific period of time.
Every three hours Fixed ratio schedule Behaviour
is reinforced after a certain number of
occurrences of the the behaviour Variable
interval schedule Reinforcement over a random
period of time Variable ration schedule Reinforcem
ent after a random number of occurrences
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Shaping
The process of gradually changing a persons
behaviour by reinforcing progressively closer
approximations of the target behaviour. Shaping
is used when there is a wide gap between the
present behaviour and the target
behaviour. Shaping occurs around the specific
elements of behaviour. Topography Amount
duration, and frequency Latency Intensity
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Shaping
Shaping and Fading Fading involves the gradual
change in stimulus while the response stays the
same. Shaping involves the gradual change in
response while the stimulus stays the same.
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Steps in Shaping Behaviour
Steps in Shaping Behaviour 1. Decide on target
behaviour. 2. Decide where to start. 3. Identify
the reward. 4. List successive approximations. 5.
Start program by rewarding first approximation.
(step 2) 6. Continue through approximations till
target behaviour is reached.
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Potential Problems in Shaping Behaviour
We may inadvertently shape an approximation
thatmoves away from the target behaviour. Over
expectation of movement through the
approximations. We may shape an approximation
that is part ofan unwanted behaviour. In
controlling behaviour that is self harming or
harmful of others we sometimes strengthen it.
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Chaining Behaviour
The identification of a set of stimulus
responselinks (chain) and having the client
perform themrepeatedly from beginning to
end. Simulation of a behaviour, with
repetition. Introduces a behaviour which is
totally new to the client.
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Steps in Chaining Behaviour

• Identify the chain of the maladaptive behaviour.
• Create a new behaviour chain for target
  behaviour.
• 3. Model the new behaviour chain.
• 4. Have the client practice the new chain.
• 5. Reinforce the clients involvement in the
  new behaviour.
• 6. If old behaviour returns, have client
  demonstratethe new behaviour from the beginning
  of the chain.

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Applications of Positive Reinforcement
Contingency Contracting A contract between client
and worker where the client agrees to perform low
frequency behaviours ( homework) in return for
the opportunity to to do high frequency
behaviours ( Nintendo) Points to remember about
contracting Use shaping reward
approximations Reward with high frequency
behaviours in smallamounts (not 3 hours of
Nintendo) Reinforce accomplishments in low
frequencybehaviours not just obedience
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Applications of Positive Reinforcement
Token Reinforcement The use of secondary
reinforcers such as tokens which are redeemed for
rewards at another time. Level Systems A system
whereby clients are promoted from one level to
the next based on improved behaviour or demoted
from one level to another based on maladaptive
behaviour.
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Negative Reinforcement
Negative Reinforcement The strengthening of a
behaviour immediately following it with the
removal or avoidance of something the person
doesnt like. Two applications Escape
conditioning Avoidance conditioning Points to
Remember Use negative reinforcement when there is
no behaviour to reward. Be sure that you can
fulfill a consequence once presented to the
client Be sure that the client is unable to avoid
the consequence through another behaviour