I stirred up a little bit of interest on my Instagram a couple weeks back. I posted on the multifaceted nature of reinforcement. The photo I shared highlighted how we often oversimplify the concept of reinforcement, reducing it to tangible rewards like iPads, video games, snacks, or ice cream. This post struck a chord with many, revealing a widespread acknowledgment that reinforcement is far more complex and nuanced than we frequently give it credit for.
Reinforcement extends beyond mere physical items; it encompasses a spectrum of experiences including people, conversations, locations, activities, events, games, and even the subtleties of our environment like volume, brightness, and temperature. Understanding this breadth is crucial in our field. And it seems pretty elementary—most of us don’t disagree with this idea.
As always, however, abstractions—even the more agreeable abstractions—are hard to program for in practical fashion.
I've often emphasized the significance of understanding how a reinforcer's value fluctuates based on the surrounding environment and various contextual factors. It's not enough to merely recognize that your kiddo is drawn to a particular item or activity. Our expertise as behavior analysts demands that we comprehend the learner’s history and their intricate relationship with that item or activity. This deeper understanding allows us to create an environment where the learner feels not just comfortable and loved, but also genuinely motivated.
Let's consider a practical scenario that often unfolds in the clinical setting.
You're focused on teaching a kiddo the crucial skill of using the toilet. To you and their caregiver, this is a top priority. Mom wants this skill to have been taught yesterday. It’s that important. Despite efforts, voiding with consistency remains elusive for this little guy. You're aware of the learner's fondness for the iPad, so naturally, you make it a contingency: the iPad is offered as a reward for successful toilet use, a special privilege reserved for these moments. It's a common strategy many of us rely on.
Its’s important to note, that there are several areas where BCBAs make their money. And motivating kiddos is one area where we get paid. But, what happens when this kiddo’s all time favorite thing isn’t increasing the frequency of pottying behavior? If the allure of the iPad isn't enough to motivate the learner, where do we turn next?
Well, we have to understand that reinforcement is more than iPads and fruit snacks.
In such critical teaching moments, it's vital to remember that reinforcement extends beyond just tangible rewards. This brings me to a crucial point: when faced with a significant and essential behavior to teach, such as toileting, it's not enough to simply offer a single reinforcer for a correct response. What's required in these scenarios is a more holistic approach—a reinforcement package. This package should encompass a range of motivating elements, tailored to the unique preferences and needs of the learner. We must look to create an environment rich in preferences, an amalgamation of reinforcements that together have the power to make our kiddo salivate at the possibility of going potty with robust alacrity.
Alacrity…it means this kiddo is pumped up!
In mapping out an effective reinforcement package, it's essential to dive deep into understanding the unique reinforcers and punishers for our learner.
Let's consider this particular kiddo’s preferences:
He's generally okay with people, though peers might be a bit overwhelming due to their unpredictability, causing some anxiety.
He prefers quiet spaces, which could be as simple as a closet or his own room.
Loud vocal praise isn't his thing, but he responds well to head rubs and gentle physical interactions.
Events like swimming are a big hit. You can’t keep him out of the pool.
When it comes to food, he’ll fight you for an Oreo.
Loud noises and crowded environments are definite punishers for him.
And if you want to engage him in conversation, Paw Patrol is his go-to topic.
Understanding these nuances allows us to tailor a reinforcement package that aligns with his specific likes and dislikes, creating a more comfortable and motivating learning environment.
Let's envision the full potential of a dynamic reinforcement package. We could simply offer the iPad for successful toileting, which might work, or we could elevate the experience to a whole new level.
So, for a kiddo like this, we need a powerful reinforcement package. When this little guy voids successfully—knowing what we know—he should probably get something like this:
A serene, peer-free room. Here, his therapist provides comforting head and back rubs, engaging him in soft-spoken conversations about Paw Patrol, while he slams a few Oreos. Furthermore, every successful void visit earns him a token or check on a chart, where ten tokens/marks earns him a trip to the pool.
Oh yeah, you can give him the iPad too.
This comprehensive approach contrasts starkly with merely offering a single tangible that we think is high in value. Instead, why not put together a well-considered reinforcement package from the beginning?
Or we could just give him fruit snacks and hope it works.
Awesome description of synthesized reinforcement with a more personalized approach