Group Contingency
Also called: independent group contingency, dependent group contingency, interdependent group contingency, hero procedure
Definition
A contingency in which a consequence for a group depends on the behavior of some or all of its members. Independent: each member earns for their own behavior. Dependent: the whole group earns based on one member or subgroup. Interdependent: the whole group earns only if every member, or the group as a whole, meets the criterion. Each carries a different risk of peer pressure.
In plain language
A reward for a group that depends on how members behave. It can depend on each person alone, on one person, or on everyone together.
Example
The class earns extra recess if the whole class stays under five call-outs for the day: an interdependent group contingency.
Not group contingency
Each student earns their own sticker for their own quiet work with no shared outcome at all. With nothing shared, it is an individual contingency.
See also
Written from
- litow-pumroy-1975
Written from Litow and Pumroy (1975). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.