Definition
General Definition
A schedule of reinforcement specifies the relation between one or more responses (i.e., response classes) and one or more reinforcing consequences. In addition to describing when a reinforcing consequence is available, different schedules of reinforcement have been shown to result in different patterns of responding (Ferster and Skinner 1957). Schedules of reinforcement should be considered during the planning phase for interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In addition, schedules of reinforcement may need to be revised after an intervention has been implemented to ensure continued desirable outcomes and overall long-term success.
Schedules of reinforcement can be particularly important in various applied situations. Careful design and implementation of an appropriate schedule of reinforcement may increase the likelihood of learning a new response (i.e., skill acquisition). For example, an otherwise effective educational...
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Groskreutz, M. (2021). Schedule of Reinforcement. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_1169
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_1169
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