Lecture 5 (guidelines for effective application of positive reinforcement)

selecting bhvr to be increased

should be specific behaviour

if possible select bhvr that will come under control of natural reinforcers after it has been increased

gather baseline data on frequency of bhvr

selecting the reinforcer

complete the reinforcer survey and select strong reinforcers that: are readily available, can be presented immediately following bhvr, can be used over and over without causing rapid satiation, does not require great deal of time to consume

use as many reinforcers as feasible, and when appropriate, use reinforcer tray or menu

applying positive reinforcement

tell individual about plan before starting

reinforce immediately following desired bhvr

describe desired bhvr to. individual while reinforcer is being given

use lots of praise and physical contact when dispensing reinforcers

to avoid satiation, mix it up

weaning the student from the program

if bhvr has been occurring at desirable rate, try to gradually eliminate tangle reinforcers and maintain it with social reinforcement

look for reinforcers in the natural environment that might maintain the bhvr once it has been increased

to ensure bhvr is being reinforced occasionally and frequency is being maintained, plan periodic assessments of bhvr after program has finished