Concurrent Superstition

Concurrent Superstition

Conc VI VI

VI VI

Concurrent Superstition

Conc VI EXT

VI EXT

c: 7th session of Extd: 12th session of Ext

Pigeons

Humans

Concurrent Superstition

Conc VI EXT (COD)

VI EXT

COD: Responses on EXT can’t be immediately followed by reinforcement for responses on VI

How CODs are programmed: 1) Timer starts after each EXT response or 2) timer starts after switching to VI. During timing, reinforcement is unavailable for responses to VI

a: 7th session of Extb: 12th session of Ext

Pigeons

Humans

Concurrent Superstition

Applied Example No COD

FR 1: Mand EXT: Verbal Aggression

Tx: 1) Verbal aggression followed by prompt to mand 2) Mand is reinforced

Results: Some verbal aggression is maintained by reinforcement of mand

Concurrent Superstition

Applied Example With COD

FR 1: Mand EXT: Verbal Aggression

Tx: 1) Verbal aggression followed COD 2) After COD, prompt given for mands

Results: If COD is of sufficient duration, verbal aggression should be weakened, if not extinguished

Case ReviewCase Review

Current Procedure: (Tx)

1) Behavior = inapp vocals and provoking others2) Tx = a) Prompt to mand for activity of choice

Probe: (Tx1)

1) Behavior = inapp vocals and provoking others2) Tx = a) Prompt to go to room under observation for 5 minutes b) Prompt to mand for activity of choice

Operant: Behavior attention

Case Review

0

5

10

15

20

25

# of

IV/P

rovo

kes

Tx Tx TxTx1 Tx1 Tx1

COD Duration?COD Duration?

Delay Reduction Hypothesis

•Stimuli will function as conditioned reinforcers if they signal a reduction in the average delay to reinforcement.

•Or, given the choice between 2 stimuli, organisms will choose the stimulus that is “closer” to positive reinforcers, or “farther” from negative reinforcers.

Delay Reduction Hypothesis

Problem: How long is COD?

Mand Verbal Aggression

Reinf: 1 every 15 minutes

1. Timeout = 5 minutes2. Prompt 3. Mand reinf

Delay Reduction Hypothesis

Problem: How long is COD?

Mand Verbal Aggression

Reinf: 1 every 5 minutes

1. Timeout = 10 minutes2. Prompt 3. Mand reinf