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Parametric Reinforcement Effects in a Programmed Activities Environment for the Severely RetardedDepartment of Community Services
University of Winnipeg
Brandon Mental Health Centre Two experiments evaluated different parameters of reinforcement on the percentage of time severely retarded clients were engaged in programmed activities. In Experiment 1 while clients rotated through seven activities, room managers interacted with clients every 65, 100, or 200 seconds or not at all. Results showed on-task behavior averaged almost 80'0o for intervals of 65 and 100 seconds and decreased to approximately 70Wo during the 200-second interval. During extinction on-task behavior decreased and disruptive behavior increased markedly. Changes in on-task behavior were generally consistent across subjects and activities. During Experiment 2 reinforcement was successively removed and then reinstated for on-task behaviors across four activities. Decrements did not occur until reinforcement was occurring during only one activity. Reinstatement of reinforcement for two activities produced a return to baseline. Removing reinforcement did not affect all activities equally. On-task behavior remained high during some activities across all reinforcement conditions. The importance of these results for managing staff and clients is discussed.
Behavior Modification, Vol. 10, No. 1,
19-36 (1986) |
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