A method for identifying satiation versus extinction effects under noncontingent reinforcement schedules

We evaluated one method for determining whether response suppression under noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is a function of satiation or extinction. Three individuals with developmental disabilities who engaged in self-inju rious behavior (SIB) or aggression participated. Results of functional anal yses indicated that their problem behavior was maintained by social-positiv e reinforcement. NCR procedures, individualized for each participant, were implemented in a multiple baseline across subjects design and were associat ed with decreases in all participants' problem behavior. Identification of the mechanism by which NCR produced these effects was based on examination of cumulative records showing response patterns during and immediately foll owing each NCR session. Satiation during NCR should lead to a temporary inc rease in responding during the post-NCR (extinction) period due to a transi tion from the availability to the unavailability of reinforcement (satiatio n to deprivation). Alternatively, extinction during NCR should reveal no in crease in responding during the extinction period because the contingency f or the problem behavior would remain unchanged and the transition from sati ation to deprivation conditions would be irrelevant. Results suggested that the operative mechanisms of NCR were idiosyncratic across the 3 participan ts and appeared to change during treatment for 1 of the participants.