Reinforcement Contingency: A Review of Its Definition and Impact
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review the definition and impact of reinforcement contingency, a concept of behaviorism. Specifically, the paper reviews the historical background of reinforcement contingency and its definition, along with the ways in which reinforcement contingency has been studied. Important implications of reinforcement contingency in terms of behavior modification are also discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential of reinforcement contingency in the field of psychology.
Keywords: reinforcement contingency, behaviorism, behavior modification, psychology
Introduction
Reinforcement contingency, a concept of behaviorism, is an important term in the field of psychology. It is a key factor in understanding how behavior is learned, maintained, and changed in response to environmental stimuli. This paper reviews the definition and impact of reinforcement contingency, along with its historical background and implications for behavior modification.
Historical Background
Reinforcement contingency dates back to the work of B. F. Skinner, a behaviorist, in the 1930s. Skinner suggested that the strength of an animal’s response to a stimulus is determined by the amount of reinforcement the animal receives upon responding to the stimulus. This was the first suggestion of reinforcement contingency, which has been further developed in the years since.
Definition of Reinforcement Contingency
Reinforcement contingency is defined as the relationship between behavior and its consequences. Specifically, it is the idea that a behavior will be reinforced if the consequences of that behavior are favorable, and the behavior will not be reinforced if the consequences of that behavior are unfavorable. In other words, reinforcement contingency suggests that behavior is strengthened or weakened depending on the outcomes of that behavior.
Impact of Reinforcement Contingency
Reinforcement contingency has had a significant impact in the field of psychology, most notably in the area of behavior modification. Specifically, reinforcement contingency suggests that behavior can be modified by changing the consequences of that behavior. This has been studied in a variety of contexts, such as in the treatment of substance abuse and in the classroom.
Implications for Behavior Modification
Reinforcement contingency has implications for behavior modification in a variety of contexts. For example, in the treatment of substance abuse, reinforcement contingency suggests that positive reinforcement can be used to increase the likelihood of abstinence from drug use, and negative reinforcement can be used to decrease the likelihood of drug use. Similarly, in the classroom, reinforcement contingency suggests that positive reinforcement can be used to increase the likelihood of desired behaviors, and negative reinforcement can be used to decrease the likelihood of undesired behaviors.
Conclusion
Reinforcement contingency is a concept of behaviorism that has implications for behavior modification in a variety of contexts. This paper reviewed the definition and impact of reinforcement contingency and discussed its applications in the field of psychology. It is clear that reinforcement contingency is an important concept that can be used to modify behavior.
References
Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems in the classroom: A best-evidence synthesis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 137-163.
Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., & Rolfe, A. (2001). The effects of reinforcement contingencies on drug use in opiate addicts participating in a behavioural intervention. Addiction, 96(11), 1683-1693.
Hayes, S. C., Kohlenberg, B. S., & Hayes, L. J. (1995). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. Appleton-Century.