Contingency-Shaped Behavior
Definition
Behavior established and maintained by direct contact with its consequences rather than by a rule describing them. It tends to be sensitive to changes in the actual contingencies and to be hard to describe in words even by the person doing it — riding a bicycle is the standard example.
In plain language
Behavior learned by doing and finding out what happens, not by being told. Skills like balancing on a bike are learned this way.
Example
A technician gradually learns the pace at which a particular learner stays engaged, without anyone stating it as a rule.
Not contingency-shaped behavior
Following a written protocol step by step on the first day. That is rule-governed.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1974
Written from Skinner (1974). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.