PSY 402 Theories of Learning Chapter 6 Cont

PSY 402 Theories of Learning Chapter 6 (Cont. ) Applications of Appetitive Learning

Contingency Management o o Reinforcement is used to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease inappropriate ones. Three stages: n n n Assessment – determine the frequency of behaviors and when they occur Contracting – specify relationships between reward and behavior Implementation – evaluate change, modify plan

Assessment Report

Contracting o Deciding the schedule of reinforcement n n o Specify stages if shaping is involved Identify inappropriate behaviors that will not be reinforced, if any Who will administer the reinforcement? n Self-reinforcement produces the same results as external reinforcement.

Implementation Target behaviors decline when reinforcement is discontinued.

Does it work?

Token Economies o Used to reduce disruptive classroom behavior. n n o Promotes drug abstinence n o Also increases academic performance when disruption is reduced. Decreases discipline referrals and suspensions at the high school level. High magnitude reward works better Increases exercise & improves health

DRO Reduces Class Disruption

Other Applications o Businesses reduce tardiness, decrease theft, increase worker safety, enhance productivity. n o o o Pay bonuses, time off, name in newsletter Incentives for customers – fast food, airlines Energy efficiency programs Carpool lanes Seatbelt use, recycling programs Less used in mental institutions

Why Not Wider Use? o Not widely used with VA psychiatric patients even though it has demonstrated efficacy. n o 20 of 152 VA medical centers used them Reasons: n n n Under pressure to reduce hospitalization time Poorly paid staff unwilling to take on new responsibilities No change since 1992