Enhancing tolerance to delayed reinforcers: the role of intervening activities.
Three participants with moderate to profound mental retardation were exposed to choices between an immediate small amount and a delayed larger amount of a preferred reinforcer. All participants initially showed a relatively high preference for the smaller reinforcer, suggesting impulsive choice making. However this preference reversed, suggesting self-control, when the larger reinforcer was available immediately and, over time, its delay was gradually increased. Results highlight the potential utility of incorporating concurrent activities into self-control training paradigms.
Dixon
Mark R
MR
Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program, Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 62901, USA. mdixon@siu.edu
Rehfeldt
Ruth Anne
RA
Randich
Lysette
L
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013997:Time Factors; D014040:Token Economy