Where a behaviour has been maintained on a variable schedule of
reinforcement theoretically it should be possible to reduce resistance to
extinction by first putting the behaviour onto a continuous schedule of
reinforcement. This approach has been employed in animal research but rarely
with human participants, and where it has, with little success. This study
describes the use of the approach to overcome some minor problems in the
behaviour of young children, the problems being sufficiently troublesome
for the parents to consult their GP. All the families who used the approach
were successful in remediating the behaviour. Some reasons for this success,
in contrast with the disappointing outcomes of some of the earlier research,
are discussed. Although the study lacks formal controls it is suggested that
the approach could be usefully applied to other common childhood behaviours
that have been subjected to variable reinforcement.
OPERANT RESPONDING IN SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (BETTA SPLENDENS) AS A FUNCTION OF SCHEDULE OF REINFORCEMENT AND VISUAL REINFORCERS1
