Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Multiple Schedules Facilitate Rapid Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedule Thinning

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Behavior Analysis in Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We evaluated a noncontingent reinforcement treatment that included initial brief exposures to signaled alternation of availability and nonavailability of reinforcement, followed by rapid schedule thinning. Results confirmed findings from previous research (typically with differential reinforcement schedules) that establishing stimulus control across multiple treatment components facilitated schedule thinning. We discuss both the clinical utility of this procedure and the utility of stimulus control for making interventions more practical for clinicians.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.

  • Andzik, N. R., Cannella-Malone, H. I., & Sigafoos, J. (2016). Practitioner implemented functional communication training: A review of the literature. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 41, 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796916633874

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beavers, G. A., Iwata, B. A., & Lerman, D. C. (2013). Thirty years of research on the functional analysis of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.30

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Betz, A. M., Fisher, W. W., Roane, H. S., Mintz, J. C., & Owen, T. M. (2013). A component analysis of schedule thinning during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 219–241.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, J. E., Coriaty, S., Wilder, D. A., Gaunt, B. T., Dozier, C. L., Britton, L. N., et al. (2000). A review of “noncontingent” reinforcement as treatment for the aberrant behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 21, 377–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-4222(00)00050-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111–126.

  • Conners, J., Iwata, B. A., Kahng, S., Hanley, G. P., Worsdell, A. S., & Thompson, R. H. (2000). Differential responding in the presence and absence of discriminative stimuli during multielement functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(3), 299–308.

  • DeLeon, I. G., & Iwata, B. A. (1996). Evaluation of a multiple-stimulus presentation format for assessing reinforcer preferences. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29(4), 519–533.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W., Greer, B. D., Fuhrman, A. M., & Querim, A. C. (2015). Using multiple schedules during functional communication training to promote rapid transfer of treatment effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(4), 713–733.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W., Piazza, C., Cataldo, M., Harrell, R., Jefferson, G., & Conner, R. (1993). Functional communication training with and without extinction and punishment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26(1), 23–36.

  • Fisher, W. W., Piazza, C. C., & Chiang, C. L. (1996). Effects of equal and unequal reinforcer duration during functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29(1), 117–120.

  • Fisher, W. W., Piazza, C., Cataldo, M., Harrell, R., Jefferson, G., & Conner, R. (1999). Functional communication training with and without extinction and punishment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26(1), 23–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W., Thompson, R. H., Hagopian, L. P., Bowman, L. G., & Krug, A. (2000). Facilitating tolerance of delayed reinforcement during functional communication training. Behavior Modification, 24(1), 3–29.

  • Fuhrman, A. M., Greer, B. D., Zangrillo, A. N., & Fisher, W. W. (2018). Evaluating competing activities to enhance functional communication training during reinforcement schedule thinning. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(4), 931–942.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goh, H., Iwata, B. A., & DeLeon, I. G. (2000). Competition between noncontingent and contingent reinforcement schedules during response acquisition. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(2), 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2000.33-195

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Greer, B. D., Fisher, W. W., Saini, V., Owen, T. M., & Jones, J. K. (2016). Functional communication training during reinforcement schedule thinning: An analysis of 25 applications. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(1), 105–121.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gresham, F. M., Gansle, K. A., & Noell, G. H. (1993). Treatment integrity in applied behavior analysis with children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 257–263.

  • Hagopian, L. P., Fisher, W. W., Sullivan, M. T., Acquisto, J., & LeBlanc, L. A. (1998). Effectiveness of functional communication training with and without extinction and punishment: a summary of 21 inpatient cases. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(2), 211–235.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hammond, J. L., Iwata, B. A., Rooker, G. W., Fritz, J. N., & Bloom, S. E. (2013). Effects of fixed versus random condition sequencing during multielement functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 22–30.

  • Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & Thompson, R. H. (2001). Reinforcement schedule thinning following treatment with functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34(1), 17–38.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Henry, J. E., Kelley, M. E., LaRue, R. H., Kettering, T. L., Gadaire, D. M., & Sloman, K. N. (2021). Integration of experimental functional analysis procedural advancements: Progressing from brief to extended experimental analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1961). Relative and absolute strength of responses as a function of frequency of reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 4(3), 267–272.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1970). On the law of effect. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 13(2), 243–266.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994a). Toward a functional analysis of self‐injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(2), 197–209.

  • Iwata, B. A., Pace, G. M., Cowdery, G. E., & Miltenberger, R. G. (1994b). What makes extinction work: an analysis of procedural form and function. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(1), 131–144.

  • Ledford, J. R., & Wolery, M. (2013). Procedural fidelity: An analysis of measurement and reporting practices. Journal of Early Intervention, 35(2), l73–l193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kahng, S., Iwata, B. A., DeLeon, I. G., & Wallace, M. D. (2000). A comparison of procedures for programming noncontingent reinforcement schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(2), 223–231.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, M. E., Lerman, D. C., Fisher, W. W., Roane, H. S., & Zangrillo, A. N. (2011). Reinforcement delay fading during differential reinforcement of communication: The effects of signal on response maintenance. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 96(1), 107–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, M. E., Lerman, D. C., & Van Camp, C. M. (2002). The effects of competing reinforcement schedules on the acquisition of functional communication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(1), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2002.35-59

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, M. E., Nadler, C. B., Rey, C., Cowie, S., & Podlesnik, C. A. (2017). Noncontingent reinforcement competes with response performance. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 107(3), 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.255

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lerman, D. C., & Iwata, B. A. (1996). Developing a technology for the use of operant extinction in clinical settings: An examination of basic and applied research. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29(3), 345–382.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mcintyre, L., Gresham, F. M., DiGennaro, F. D., & Reed, D. D. (2007). Treatment integrity of school-based interventionswith children in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 1991–2005. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 659–672.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, L., Homer, A. L., & Wonderlich, S. A. (1982). The integrity of independent variables in behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 15(4), 477–492.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Petscher, E. S., Rey, C., & Bailey, J. S. (2009). A review of empirical support for differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(3), 409–425.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Querim, A. C., Iwata, B. A., Roscoe, E. M., Schlichenmeyer, K. J., Ortega, J. V., & Hurl, K. E. (2013). Functional analysis screening for problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 47–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rooker, G. W., Iwata, B. A., Harper, J. M., Fahmie, T. A., & Camp, E. M. (2011). False-positive tangible outcomes of functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(4), 737–745. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-737

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rooker, G. W., Jessel, J., Kurtz, P. F., & Hagopian, L. P. (2013). Functional communication training with and without alternative reinforcement and punishment: An analysis of 58 applications. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(4), 708–722. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.76

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaal, D. W., & Branch, M. N. (1988). Responding of pigeons under variable‐interval schedules of unsignaled, briefly signaled, and completely signaled delays to reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 50(1), 33–54.

  • Schaal, D. W., & Branch, M. N. (1990). Responding of pigeons under variable‐interval schedules of signaled‐delayed reinforcement: Effects of delay‐signal duration. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53(1), 103–121.

  • Saini, V., Miller, S. A., & Fisher, W. W. (2016). Multiple schedules in practical application: Research trends and implications for future investigation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(2), 421–444.

  • Saini, V., Sullivan, W. E., Baxter, E. L., DeRosa, N. M., & Roane, H. S. (2018). Renewal during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(3), 603–619.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shirley, M. J., Iwata, B. A., Kahng, S., Mazaleski, J. L., & Lerman, D. C. (1997). Does functional communication training compete with ongoing contingencies of reinforcement? An analysis during response acquisition and maintenance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1997.30-93

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Simmons, J. N., Smith, R. G., & Kliethermes, L. (2003). A multiple-schedule evaluation of immediate and subsequent effects of fixed-time food presentation on automatically maintained mouthing. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(4), 541–544.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Slocum, S. K., Grauerholz-Fisher, E., Peters, K. P., & Vollmer, T. R. (2018). A multicomponent approach to thinning reinforcer delivery during noncontingent reinforcement schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(1), 61–69.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tiger, J. H., Hanley, G. P., & Bruzek, J. (2008). Functional communication training a review and practical guide. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1(1), 16–23.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vollmer, T. R., Borrero, J. C., Lallo, J. S., & Daniel, D. (1999). Evaluating self-control and impulsivity in children with severe behavior disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32(4), 451–466.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vollmer, T. R., & Iwata, B. A. (1991). Establishing operation and reinforcement effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24(2), 279–291.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Steege, M. W., Northup, J., Sasso, G., Berg, W., Reimers, T., Cooper, L., Cigrand, K., & Donn, L. (1990). A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of sever behavior problems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23(4), 417–429.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, M. D., Iwata, B. A., Hanley, G. P., Thompson, R. H., & Roscoe, E. M. (2012). Noncontingent reinforcement: A further examination of schedule effects during treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(4), 709–719.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, J. J., Baggett, B. A., Fox, J., & Blevins, L. (2006). Treatment integrity: A review of intervention studies conducted with children with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(1), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576060210010601

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worsdell, A. S., Iwata, B. A., Hanley, G. P., Thompson, R. H., & Kahng, S. (2000). Effects of continuous and intermittent reinforcement for destructive behavior during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(2), 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2000.33-167

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA

    Michael E. Kelley & Dana M. Gadaire

  2. The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA

    Ronald J. Clark, Kacie M. McGarry, Justine E. Henry, Andrew C. Morgan & Kimberly N. Sloman

  3. Geisinger Health System, Danville, USA

    Dana M. Gadaire

Authors
  1. Michael E. Kelley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ronald J. Clark
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kacie M. McGarry
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Justine E. Henry
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Andrew C. Morgan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Dana M. Gadaire
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Kimberly N. Sloman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael E. Kelley.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

* None of the authors report any potential conflicts of interest

* This research involved human participants and was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Florida Institute of Technology (IRB # 18-013).

* The IRB approval consisted of both the procedures and the informed consent process, which included a personal meeting with the legal caregiver(s) of potential participants and the signing of an approved consent form. Assent forms were deemed irrelevant, as the potential participants did not engage in clearly understandable language.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Authors’ note: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Florida Institute of Technology (IRB # 18.013).

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kelley, M.E., Clark, R.J., McGarry, K.M. et al. Multiple Schedules Facilitate Rapid Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedule Thinning. Behav Analysis Practice 16, 185–193 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00709-5

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00709-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation