An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for predictable versus unpredictable conditions of reinforcement and demands.
Poster Number
19C
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
Mahshid Ghaemmaghami
Faculty Mentor Department
Psychology
Graduate Student Mentor Name
Matthew Boliard
Graduate Student Mentor Department
Psychology
Abstract/Artist Statement
It is often unknown as to how parents and teachers are able to motivate children to work efficiently. In this study we aimed to learn whether children prefer to know how much work they were required to do and what reward (i.e., reinforcer) they would receive, as well as their relative performance during different conditions. We used a Concurrent Chains Arrangement (CCA) to compare an individual’s relative preference for predictable (i.e., knowing the amount of work and the reinforcer) versus unpredictable (i.e., not knowing the amount of work and the reinforcer) and a no reinforcement condition (i.e., control). CCA is an experimental method of identifying an individual’s relative preference by allowing the individual to freely choose the context they wish to experience (Hanley, 2010). Preference is determined by repeated selection towards one condition. A 9-year-old typically developing boy participated in this study. With the first task (math problems), the participant alternated between choosing the control and predictable conditions suggesting that the completion of the task itself may have been reinforcing enough and that the delivery of additional reinforcers was unnecessary. With the second task (writing demands), the participant alternated between the predictable and unpredictable conditions suggesting a preference for a reinforcement condition but no preference for the manner in which these reinforcers are delivered. Additionally, the participant performed at similar rates across these conditions. This procedure will be replicated with more participants to assess for trends in the wider population.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Start Date
28-4-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
28-4-2018 12:00 PM
An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for predictable versus unpredictable conditions of reinforcement and demands.
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
It is often unknown as to how parents and teachers are able to motivate children to work efficiently. In this study we aimed to learn whether children prefer to know how much work they were required to do and what reward (i.e., reinforcer) they would receive, as well as their relative performance during different conditions. We used a Concurrent Chains Arrangement (CCA) to compare an individual’s relative preference for predictable (i.e., knowing the amount of work and the reinforcer) versus unpredictable (i.e., not knowing the amount of work and the reinforcer) and a no reinforcement condition (i.e., control). CCA is an experimental method of identifying an individual’s relative preference by allowing the individual to freely choose the context they wish to experience (Hanley, 2010). Preference is determined by repeated selection towards one condition. A 9-year-old typically developing boy participated in this study. With the first task (math problems), the participant alternated between choosing the control and predictable conditions suggesting that the completion of the task itself may have been reinforcing enough and that the delivery of additional reinforcers was unnecessary. With the second task (writing demands), the participant alternated between the predictable and unpredictable conditions suggesting a preference for a reinforcement condition but no preference for the manner in which these reinforcers are delivered. Additionally, the participant performed at similar rates across these conditions. This procedure will be replicated with more participants to assess for trends in the wider population.