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THE EFFECTS OF BLOCKING MOUTHING OF LEISURE ITEMS ON THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AS REINFORCERS
Author(s) -
Tarbox Rachel S. F.,
Tarbox Jonathan,
Ghezzi Patrick M.,
Wallace Michele D.,
Yoo J. Helen
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1901/jaba.2007.761-765
Subject(s) - psychology , reinforcement , autism , developmental psychology , stereotypy , stimulus (psychology) , stimulus control , cognitive psychology , social psychology , neuroscience , amphetamine , dopamine , nicotine
Leisure items are commonly used as reinforcers in behavior‐analytic applications. However, a defining feature of autism is the occurrence of stereotypy, and individuals with autism often engage leisure items in a stereotyped manner. The opportunity for stereotyped interaction may be the only aspect of a contingent stimulus that makes it a reinforcer for appropriate behavior. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of blocking stereotyped reinforcer interaction on reinforcer efficacy for 2 children with autism. Results showed that blocking stereotypic reinforcer interaction did not influence reinforcer efficacy.