Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement to Enhance Behavioral Interventions
Auburn University
Summary
This study is designed to better understand how certain features of reinforcement affect learning and motivation in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants will take part in a series of structured teaching sessions that involve simple tasks and reward-based feedback. By changing the timing and amount of rewards, we aim to learn how these factors influence the ability to acquire and maintain new skills. This information may help improve behavioral interventions for individuals with IDD in the future. The study does not involve medications or procedures intended to change participants' health status.
Description
This study examines how key parameters of reinforcement-specifically the timing and amount of rewards-affect learning, motivation, and performance in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The experimental design is informed by the Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement (MPR), a quantitative framework for understanding the relationship between reinforcement schedules and behavior. Participants will complete tabletop tasks in a controlled setting. Tasks are designed to be simple and accessible, such as pressing a button or selecting a picture, and correct respons…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: At least 6 years of age Documented neurodevelopmental condition Engagement in problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that can be measured during study sessions Ability to follow simple instructions Ability to participate in tabletop choice-based tasks Availability to complete all scheduled study sessions Provision of informed consent by participant or legally authorized representative Exclusion Criteria: Severe sensory or motor impairments that would prevent participation in tabletop tasks Current or recent participation (within the…
Interventions
- BehavioralOperant Conditioning Tasks with Reinforcement Manipulations
This behavioral intervention involves structured operant conditioning tasks. Reinforcement parameters (e.g., schedule arrangement, magnitude, and probability) are systematically manipulated to evaluate their effects on behavioral allocation. The primary objective is to assess how variations in reinforcement contingencies influence choice patterns. The procedures are designed to examine fundamental behavioral processes rather than to provide therapeutic benefit.
Locations (3)
- Center for Autism Research, Treatment, and TrainingAuburn, Alabama
- Kennedy Krieger InstituteBaltimore, Maryland
- Oakland UniversityRochester Hills, Michigan