Noncontingent Reinforcement
Also called: NCR, time-based reinforcement, fixed-time schedule, response-independent reinforcement
Definition
Delivering the reinforcer that maintains a problem behavior on a time-based schedule, independent of the behavior — attention every two minutes regardless of what the person is doing. It works as an abolishing operation, reducing the behavior because its reinforcer is freely available, and it is often combined with extinction. Accidental pairing with the problem behavior is the main risk.
In plain language
Giving the person the thing the behavior used to get — like attention — for free, on a timer. The behavior drops because it is no longer needed.
Example
A learner whose shouting produced attention now gets a staff member's attention every ninety seconds whether or not they shout.
Not noncontingent reinforcement
Attention delivered only after thirty seconds without shouting. Because it depends on the absence of behavior, that is DRO.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- vollmer-1993
Written from Vollmer et al. (1993). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.