Self-control and the preference for delayed reinforcement an example in brain injury.
We investigated the effects of a concurrent physical therapy activity (keeping the hand open) during delays to reinforcement in an adult man with acquired brain injuries. Once a relatively stable level of hand-open behavior was obtained, the participant was asked to choose between a small immediate reinforcer and a larger delayed reinforcer contingent on keeping the hand open at greater-than-baseline duration. Afterwards, the participant was asked to select between a larger delayed reinforcer with no hand-open requirement and the identical larger delayed reinforcer with a progressively increasing hand-open requirement. Results suggest a shift in preference to larger delayed reinforcers and an eventual preference for the hand-open requirement option.
Dixon
Mark R
MR
Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program, Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 62901, USA. mdixon@siu.edu
Horner
Mollie J
MJ
Guercio
John
J
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D020208:Brain Injury, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004924:Escape Reaction; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000523:psychology*; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology