Parametric Reinforcement Effects in a Programmed Activities Environment for the Severely Retarded

Abstract

Two experiments evaluated different parameters of reinforcement on the percentage of time severely retarded clients were engaged in programmed activities. In Experiment 1 while clients rotated through seven activities, room managers interacted with clients every 65, 100, or 200 seconds or not at all. Results showed on-task behavior averaged almost 80'0o for intervals of 65 and 100 seconds and decreased to approximately 70Wo during the 200-second interval. During extinction on-task behavior decreased and disruptive behavior increased markedly. Changes in on-task behavior were generally consistent across subjects and activities. During Experiment 2 reinforcement was successively removed and then reinstated for on-task behaviors across four activities. Decrements did not occur until reinforcement was occurring during only one activity. Reinstatement of reinforcement for two activities produced a return to baseline. Removing reinforcement did not affect all activities equally. On-task behavior remained high during some activities across all reinforcement conditions. The importance of these results for managing staff and clients is discussed.