Essential Reading
In this dialogue, Sarah and Susan explore Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR), its uses, benefits, and limitations within behaviour support planning. Read their conversation to understand how NCR works and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive strategy for addressing behaviours 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 behaviours. 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 behaviour. The idea is to reduce the individual’s motivation to engage in challenging behaviours by giving them the reinforcement they seek in a non-contingent way. This way, they don’t feel the need to engage in problem behaviour to get what they want.
Sarah: Ah, got it! So, if I understand correctly, NCR can actually decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours by regularly providing reinforcement, even without the individual engaging in those behaviours?
Susan: Exactly, Sarah! By providing the desired reinforcement regularly through NCR, we reduce the individual’s drive to engage in challenging behaviours because they’re already getting what they want without having to resort to those behaviours.
Sarah: That makes a lot of sense, Susan. Are there specific types of behaviours that NCR is especially useful for?
Susan: NCR can be helpful for behaviours 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: Are there any limitations?
Susan: Yes, we must monitor for any persistence or increase in problem behaviour. 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
The following video from Behavior Central provides a concise summary of the characteristics and rules for using non-contingent reinforcement:
Conversation Exercise
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