Automatic Reinforcement
Also called: sensory reinforcement, nonsocial reinforcement, self-stimulatory
Definition
Reinforcement produced directly by the behavior itself, without another person delivering it — the sensory result of rocking, the sound of humming, the relief of scratching an itch. Because no one mediates the consequence, these behaviors are harder to assess and to treat, and the functional-analysis "alone" condition exists to detect them.
In plain language
When the behavior itself is the reward. Nobody has to give anything; the feeling or sound the behavior makes keeps it going.
Example
A learner flicks a string near their eyes when alone, and keeps doing it whether or not anyone reacts.
Not automatic reinforcement
Humming that stops as soon as a parent stops smiling at it. The reinforcement came from the parent, so it is socially mediated.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- iwata-1982-1994
- vollmer-1993
Written from Iwata et al. (1982/1994) and Vollmer et al. (1993). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.