Supervision dialogue
In this dialogue, Sarah and Susan explore Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR), its uses, benefits, and limitations within behavior support planning. Read their conversation to understand how NCR works and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive strategy for addressing behaviors that challenge.
Sarah and Susan Discuss Non-Contingent Reinforcement
Sarah: Hey Susan! How’s it going? I had a few questions about non-contingent reinforcement and how it can help reduce challenging behaviors. Can you help me out?
Susan: Hello, Sarah! I’m doing well, thanks for asking. I’d be happy to help you out with your questions about non-contingent reinforcement. What do you need to know?
Sarah: Thanks, Susan! So, I’m curious about what exactly non-contingent reinforcement is and how it works. Can you break it down for me?
Susan: Sure thing, Sarah! Non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) is when we provide reinforcement like access to preferred items or activities at specific times, regardless of the individual’s behavior. The idea is to reduce the individual’s motivation to engage in challenging behaviors by giving them the reinforcement they seek in a non-contingent way. This may reduce motivation for behavior that previously produced that outcome, but it does not guarantee a reduction.
Sarah: Ah, got it! So, if I understand correctly, NCR can actually decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviors by regularly providing reinforcement, even without the individual engaging in those behaviors?
Susan: Yes, it can help. A fixed-time schedule delivers the planned reinforcer after the same amount of time, while a variable-time schedule uses varying amounts of time around a planned average. Neither requires a particular response first. The supervisor selects the schedule, and we record its effects.
Sarah: That makes a lot of sense, Susan. Are there specific types of behaviors that NCR is especially useful for?
Susan: NCR can be helpful for behaviors maintained by attention, escape, tangibles, or even automatic reinforcement. But its effectiveness depends on the person and situation, so it’s important to monitor carefully.
Sarah: Should I wait for quiet behavior before providing the scheduled attention?
Susan: Do not independently add that requirement. NCR is time-based. Follow the written schedule and safety instructions, and ask your supervisor how to handle difficulties rather than changing the procedure yourself.
Sarah: Are there any limitations?
Susan: Yes, we must monitor for any persistence or increase in problem behavior. NCR is just one part of a comprehensive support plan, used alongside other strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.
Sarah: Thanks, Susan. I’ll work with my BCBA to ensure NCR is used effectively and ethically as part of a wider plan.
Optional Video
In this five-minute video, Jessica Leichtweisz, BCBA, explains non-contingent reinforcement (NCR), why it is used, and considerations for its use, including risks and pairing. As you watch, consider how NCR can form part of an individualized behavior support plan.
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot to reinforce your understanding of non-contingent reinforcement.
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Reflection Exercise
Use the lesson and supervision dialogue to respond to the scenario below. The video is optional.
Write 100-500 words in your preferred language. We assess your reflection, not grammar or spelling. If you use AI to brainstorm or improve your wording, briefly state how you used it.
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