Essential Reading
Read this article by Dr. Andy Lattal from Aubrey Daniels International, which provides an engaging overview of how schedules of reinforcement shape behavior in everyday life:
Essential Video
Watch this video by Billy Brown, which offers a clear explanation of different types of reinforcement schedules and discusses their practical advantages and disadvantages:
Optional Video
The following video from Khan Academy provides an additional overview of reinforcement schedules, which may help reinforce your understanding:
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot to reinforce your understanding of reinforcement schedules through guided discussion.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, video(s), and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words (about 5–7 sentences minimum)
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
You’ll receive an email copy of your reflection to support your RBT exam preparation.
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What are the main types of reinforcement schedules and how do they impact behavior?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain the difference between continuous and intermittent reinforcement to someone unfamiliar with ABA?
- Importance and Connections: Why is understanding reinforcement schedules important in ABA practice?
- Practical Applications: How might you apply knowledge of reinforcement schedules when working with clients?
- Insights: Did anything about the reinforcement schedules surprise you or change how you think about behavior?
Example Reflection:
I didn’t realize how powerful different reinforcement schedules are in shaping not just human behavior but habits in general. I was particularly surprised to learn how variable ratio schedules, like those in gambling, can make behaviors very persistent. This makes me think about how important it is to use these schedules intentionally when teaching clients new skills. For example, I’ll probably start with continuous reinforcement to teach a new skill, then shift to intermittent schedules to help maintain it. I also see how understanding these schedules can help us avoid accidentally reinforcing behaviors we don’t want. It’s clearer now why ABA emphasizes schedule thinning once a behavior is established.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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