Effects of reinforcer magnitude and distribution on preference for work schedules.
When the overall magnitude of reinforcement is matched between 2 alternative work schedules, some students prefer to complete all of their work for continuous access to a reinforcer (continuous work) rather than distributed access to a reinforcer while they work (discontinuous work). We evaluated a student's preference for continuous work by manipulating the overall magnitude of reinforcement associated with continuous work. Preference for continuous work persisted despite a 20% decrease in reinforcer magnitude; however, a 40% decrease in reinforcer magnitude produced a shift in preference to discontinuous work.
Beacon ABA Services, Inc. and May Center for Education and Neurorehabilitation.
John C
JC
Ward-Horner
Alexis
A
Pittenger
Gary
G
Pace
Daniel M
DM
Fienup
D000293:Adolescent; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology
autism; choice; concurrent-chains arrangements; preference; reinforcement magnitude