RBT Module 3: Lesson 4 – Readings

Essential Reading

In this brief article from ABA Connect, readers are provided with a brief overview of different types of reinforcers.

Read the below exchange between an RBT called Sarah and her supervisor Fred:

Sarah: Hello, Fred! I’ve been trying to understand how reinforcement and reinforcers can be classified in different ways. Could you help me out with this?

Fred: Hello, Sarah! I’m glad you’re curious about reinforcement and its classifications. It’s an important concept in our field. I’d be happy to clarify things for you.

Sarah: Thank you, Fred! So, how exactly are reinforcement and reinforcers classified?

Fred: Well, Sarah, reinforcement can be classified in a couple of ways. One way is based on the type of stimulus used. We have positive reinforcement, which involves adding or presenting a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase its future occurrence. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, focuses on removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus to increase behavior. Another way is by referring to how a stimulus came to be a reinforcer for a learner. We might describe things like food and warmth as unconditioned reinforcers because they are naturally reinforcing but we might describe things like tokens or rap music as conditioned reinforcers because they became reinforcers only after being paired with other forms of reinforcement.

Sarah: I see, Fred! So, positive reinforcement involves adding something pleasant, while negative reinforcement focuses on removing something aversive. Is that correct?

Fred: Exactly, Sarah! You’ve got it. Positive reinforcement involves providing something enjoyable to increase the behavior, like praise or a favorite activity. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, is about eliminating or avoiding something unpleasant, such as turning off a loud noise or preventing a reprimand. It’s important to note that negative reinforcement is different from punishment, which aims to decrease behavior by adding an aversive stimulus, while negative reinforcement aims to increase behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus.

Sarah: That makes sense, Fred! So, are there any other ways to classify reinforcers?

Fred: Indeed, Sarah! Reinforcers can also be classified based on their attributes. For example, edible reinforcers are highly preferred foods that serve as motivation. Sensory reinforcers provide pleasure to the individual’s senses, like a warm hug or engaging in a favorite activity. Tangible reinforcers involve presenting a desired object that holds value for the person. Lastly, activity reinforcers are enjoyable activities. Adding a description of a reinforcer’s attributes can sometimes be useful and allows us to be precise when we’re talking about our work. We could describe something like giving somebody an opportunity to play a videogame they liked contingent on doing their homework, as using positive reinforcement where the reinforcer is a conditioned activity reinforcer. Similarly, we could describe giving a toddler chocolate when they ask for it as positive reinforcement in the form of an unconditioned edible reinforcer.

Sarah: I appreciate the clarification, Fred! It’s interesting to see how reinforcers can be sort of categorized based on their characteristics. It helps with tailoring interventions to individual needs and preferences.

Fred: Absolutely, Sarah! Understanding these classifications allows us to create effective behavior change strategies that meet the unique needs of each individual we work with. It’s all about finding contextually appropriate and meaningful reinforcers to create a positive and motivating environment.

Sarah: That makes so much sense! Thank you for explaining everything, Fred. It really helps me better understand how reinforcement and reinforcers work.

Fred: You’re most welcome, Sarah! I’m always here to support your learning. Feel free to ask more questions anytime. Keep up the great work and continue embracing the power of positive reinforcement in your practice! Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment for our clients. Keep up the fantastic work, and keep learning and growing!

Sarah: Thank you, Fred! Your guidance is truly appreciated. I’ll definitely continue to seek guidance and remain committed to providing the best support for our clients.

Essential Videos

In this video, Kate Rice Harrison, a BCBA at Brett DiNovi & Associates, provides practical tips on conditioned reinforcement.

Conversation Exercise

In the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, you’ll see a conversation icon. Click on this to begin the conversation exercise with FRED our AI-powered chatbot. Alternatively, click this link to open the chat interface directly.

If you have not already, read this article to learn how to get the most from your learning conversation with FRED.

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