Abstract
Research has shown that variability may be an operant dimension of behavior. One method of reinforcing response variability is to use a lag schedule of reinforcement (Page & Neuringer, 1985). Several studies have shown that a Lag 1 schedule is effective in increasing variable responding with human participants (e.g., Esch, Esch, & Love, 2009; Lee, McComas, & Jawor, 2002). In these arrangements, however, the return to baseline responding during reversal phases suggests that the resulting behavior change may not be maintained following intervention. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a Lag 3 schedule on increasing and maintaining variability of tacts in 2 children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Results demonstrated increased variability in tacting for both participants and maintenance in variable responding after a 3-week follow-up.
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This article is based on a thesis submitted by the first author, under the supervision of the second author, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the master of arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The authors are grateful to Eric Carlson for his comments and suggestions on an earlier version of the manuscript.
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Heldt, J., Schlinger, H.D. Increased Variability in Tacting Under a Lag 3 Schedule of Reinforcement. Analysis Verbal Behav 28, 131–136 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393114
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393114