PSY402 Theories of Learning Chapter 6 (Cont.) Applications of Appetitive Learning

Contingency Management Reinforcement is used to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease inappropriate ones. Three stages: Assessment – determine the frequency of behaviors and when they occur Contracting – specify relationships between reward and behavior Implementation – evaluate change, modify plan

Assessment Report

Contracting Deciding the schedule of reinforcement Specify stages if shaping is involved Identify inappropriate behaviors that will not be reinforced, if any Who will administer the reinforcement? Self-reinforcement produces the same results as external reinforcement.

Implementation Target behaviors decline when reinforcement is discontinued.

Does it work?

Token Economies Used to reduce disruptive classroom behavior. Also increases academic performance when disruption is reduced. Decreases discipline referrals and suspensions at the high school level. Promotes drug abstinence High magnitude reward works better Increases exercise & improves health

DRO Reduces Class Disruption

Other Applications Businesses reduce tardiness, decrease theft, increase worker safety, enhance productivity. Pay bonuses, time off, name in newsletter Incentives for customers – fast food, airlines Energy efficiency programs Carpool lanes Seatbelt use, recycling programs Less used in mental institutions

Why Not Wider Use? Not widely used with VA psychiatric patients even though it has demonstrated efficacy. 20 of 152 VA medical centers used them Reasons: Under pressure to reduce hospitalization time Poorly paid staff unwilling to take on new responsibilities No change since 1992