Effects of noncontingent reinforcement on problem behavior and stimulus engagement the role of satiation extinction, and alternative reinforcement

This study examined the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with a nd without extinction on problem behavior and stimulus engagement (consumpt ion of reinforcement) of 4 participants. Reductions in problem behavior usi ng NCR have frequently been attributed to both satiation of the reinforcer and extinction. In the current study, aspects of the NCR treatment effects were difficult to explain based solely on either a satiation or an extincti on account. Specifically, it was found that stimulus engagement remained hi gh throughout the NCR treatment analysis, and that problem behavior was red uced to near-zero levels during NCR without extinction. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the satiation and extinction hypotheses frequently described in the applied literature. Findings from ba sic studies examining the effects of response-independent schedules are pre sented, and are used as the basis for a matching theory account of NCR-rela ted effects. It is proposed that reductions in problem behavior observed du ring NCR interventions may be a function of the availability of alternative sources of reinforcement.