Variation of Reinforcement in Performance of a Motor Skill

Abstract

A simple experimental procedure administered by parents was used to study the effects of variation of reinforcement on performance of a motor skill by a 7-yr.-old retarded male. Owing to hemiplegia this subject had a very restricted range of movement in his left hand. The task required him to use his left hand to place wooden cubes within squares drawn on a paper sheet. Factors varied were type of reinforcer (3 consumables), schedule (continuous, fixed ratio and variable ratio), and frequency of reinforcement. Administration of variable ratio delivery was perceived as an enjoyable game by the subject who produced his best performances under this condition. Functional analyses (mini-experiments) should include type of reinforcer and form of delivery.