1. Maintaining Behavior Change Chapter 10

2. Reinforcement thinning
Relapses in Behavior
Why they occur
When they occur
Reinforcement thinning

3. Schedules of Reinforcement
Continuous reinforcement (CRF) vs. partial (intermittent) reinforcement (PRF)
PRF schedules
ratio schedules reinforce based on the number of responses that occur
fixed-ratio schedules define a constant number of required responses
variable-ratio schedules vary the number of responses that must occur

4. Schedules of Reinforcement (continued)
PRF schedules
interval schedules reinforce the first response after a period of time has passed
fixed-interval schedules reinforce the first response after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last reinforcer was delivered
variable-interval schedules reinforce the first response after varying periods of time since the last reinforcer was delivered

5. Schedules of Reinforcement (continued)
Duration schedules require that a behavior occur for a period of time before being reinforced
Schedules can be combined to create more complex schedules of reinforcement

6. Effects of Ratio Schedules
Ratio schedules maintain high rates of responding
variable-ratio schedules maintain higher rates than fixed-ratio schedules
fixed-ratio schedules maintain a post-reinforcement pause
Generally, as response requirements increase, so do rates of responding
Too high a requirement causes “ratio strain”

7. Effects of Interval Schedules
Interval schedules maintain moderate rates of responding
fixed-interval schedules maintain rates that accelerate through each interval
fixed-interval schedules maintain a “scalloped” pattern of responding
variable interval schedules maintain consistent, moderate rates through each interval

8. PRF Effect
PRF seems to create greater resistance to extinction than CRF
Variable schedules are more resistant to extinction than fixed schedules of reinforcement

9. Delaying Reinforcement
Delays in reinforcement interfere with acquisition of behavior
After a behavior is established, the introduction of brief delays may serve to strengthen behavior
Such delays make behavior more resistant to extinction

10. Increasing Natural Reinforcement and Enhancing Generalization
Available reinforcers
Social reinforcers
Antecedents
Fade prompts
Widen stimulus control
General case training
Self-regulation

11. Posttreatment Programs
Booster programs offer refresher sessions
Marlatt's lapse prevention method teaches relapse prevention in three steps:
learn to identify high-risk situations
acquire coping skills
practice coping skills in high-risk settings

12. Tips on Maintaining Behavior Change
Focus interventions on behavior that will be useful in the person's natural environment
Associate new behaviors with antecedents common to the natural environment
Monitor behavior carefully when introducing new treatments
Thin to a variable schedule of reinforcement
Assess potential natural reinforcers prior to completion of intervention
Target behaviors should be applicable to everyday life