Contingent Reinforcement: Definition and Examples

Reinforcement plays an important role in behavioral psychology. It helps us understand how behaviors are learned and maintained. Contingent reinforcement is one key concept in this area.

Contingent reinforcement involves offering rewards for specific behaviors. To achieve a certain outcome or obtain a desired reward, the individual must perform certain actions. The goal of contingent reinforcement is to help people see the connection between the behavior and the consequences of that behavior.

In this article, we will explore contingent reinforcement, how it works, and its practical applications. We will also examine some real-world examples to illustrate its effectiveness. 

Key Takeaways:

• Contingent reinforcement involves giving rewards or consequences based on specific behaviors.
• Contingent reinforcement is important in operant conditioning; it utilizes principles first described by B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike.
• In order for contingent reinforcement to be effective, rewards must be delivered quickly and consistently.
• Certain factors can make contingent reinforcement more challenging, including managing timing, avoiding over-reliance on external rewards, and tailoring reinforcement to individual needs.

What Is Contingent Reinforcement?

Contingent reinforcement refers to a type of reward or consequence that is directly tied to a specific behavior. That means that the reinforcement happens only when a particular action is performed.

For example, imagine that a student only gets praise from their teacher after they complete an assignment. That means that the praise is the contingent reinforcement. It is contingent because it depends on the completion of the assignment.

Contingent reinforcement can be contrasted with non-contingent reinforcement, where the reward is given regardless of behavior. In contingent reinforcement, the frequency and timing of the reinforcement are closely linked to the behavior being encouraged or discouraged.

Contingent reinforcement is a core principle in behavior modification. Understanding how it works can help us better see how behaviors are shaped and maintained and how this technique is used in settings like education and therapy.

Origins of Contingent Reinforcement

Contingent reinforcement is rooted in the theory of operant conditioning, a concept developed by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Operant conditioning explains how rewards and punishments influence behaviors.

According to Skinner, behaviors that are followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated again in the futre. This is where contingent reinforcement comes into play. If a behavior leads to a reward, that behavior is reinforced and is more likely to happen again.

Edward Thorndike, the psychologist who introduced the “Law of Effect,” also had an important influence on this theory. The Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are strengthened, while those followed by discomfort are weakened. Skinner built on Thorndike’s ideas to further develop his ideas of operant conditioning and the impact of contingent reinforcement.

These theories highlight how behavior can be shaped and maintained through reinforcement. They form the basis for many practical applications in education, therapy, and everyday life. Understanding this background helps students grasp why contingent reinforcement is a fundamental concept in behavior psychology.

How Contingent Reinforcement Works

Contingent reinforcement operates on a simple principle: a specific behavior must occur before a reward or consequence is given. This means the reinforcement is directly linked to the behavior being performed.

How does this process work?

1. A behavior occurs: A person performs a specific action, such as completing a task or showing a desired behavior.
2. Reinforcement is applied: Immediately after the behavior, a reward (positive reinforcement) or a consequence (negative reinforcement) is provided. For example, a teacher might give extra playtime (reward) when a student finishes their homework on time.
3. The behavior is strengthened: Because the reinforcement follows the behavior, the person is more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. The positive outcome encourages them to act in the same way again.

Positive vs. Negative Contingent Reinforcement

Contingent reinforcement can be either positive or negative.

• Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable, like praise or a treat.
• Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant, such as reducing chores when a person meets a goal.

This approach helps to establish clear connections between actions and outcomes. It ensures that the desired behavior is more likely to be repeated, making it an effective tool for shaping and maintaining behaviors.

How Is Contingent Reinforcement Used?

Contingent reinforcement is used in many different settings. Educators, parents, and therapists, for example, often use this type of reinforcement to help promote desired behaviors and improve outcomes. Here are some practical applications:

Education

Teachers often use contingent reinforcement to encourage student performance. For example, a teacher might offer extra credit or verbal praise to students who complete their assignments on time. This helps students understand that their effort leads to positive outcomes.

Parenting

Parents can also use contingent reinforcement to shape children’s behavior. For instance, a parent might allow a child to choose a special activity after they finish their chores. This reinforces the idea that completing tasks leads to rewards.

Workplace

In the workplace, managers might use contingent reinforcement to boost employee performance. Bonuses, promotions, or recognition can be given based on meeting specific targets or demonstrating desired behaviors.

Therapy

Therapists use contingent reinforcement to help clients develop new skills or change behaviors. For example, a therapist might reward a client for using coping strategies during stressful situations, reinforcing their use in real-life scenarios.

Examples of Contingent Reinforcement in Real Life

• A teacher awards extra recess time to students who complete their homework on time.
• A manager gives an employee a bonus for meeting their sales targets.
• A parent allows their child to have a special treat after finishing their chores.
• A fitness trainer offers praise and encouragement to clients who stick to their workout plan.
• A therapist provides positive feedback to a client who uses new coping strategies effectively.
• An app rewards users with badges for achieving certain milestones or completing tasks.

Challenges When Using Contingent Reinforcement

While contingent reinforcement can be effective, it comes with some challenges that need careful consideration:

Timing and Consistency

For contingent reinforcement to work, the reward or consequence needs to happen immediately after the behavior. If there is a delay, it can weaken the connection between the behavior and the reinforcement, making it less effective. Consistency is also vital. If reinforcement is inconsistent, people are more likely to feel confused about what they have to do to earn the reward, which makes the reinforcement less effective.

Over-Reliance on External Rewards

There’s also a risk of becoming too dependent on external rewards. When individuals rely heavily on rewards, they might not develop intrinsic motivation. This can lead to a situation where behavior only occurs when a reward is expected rather than due to genuine interest or commitment. Researchers have also found that offering external rewards for things that people already find intrinsically motivating can impair intrinsic motivation.

Finding the Right Reinforcement Can Be Challenging

Each person responds differently to different types of reinforcement. What motivates one person might not motivate another. Finding the right type of reinforcement for each individual can be challenging and requires ongoing adjustment. This can take a lot of time and resources, and may lead to mistakes that hurt the learning process.

Potential for Manipulation

Sometimes, individuals might try to game the system to receive the reinforcement without actually engaging in the desired behavior. For example, a student might rush through assignments to get a reward. This can affect their learning in a negative way and impair their performance in the long-term.

Satiation Can Lead to Diminishing Returns

Over time, the effectiveness of a particular reinforcement can decrease. What once was a strong motivator might become less impactful if used too frequently or if the individual becomes accustomed to it.

Addressing these challenges involves careful planning and adjustment. Ensuring that reinforcement is timely, appropriate, and tailored to the individual’s needs can help overcome these obstacles and make contingent reinforcement a more effective tool.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• What Is Classical Conditioning? This type of conditioning relies on associations between naturally occurring and conditioned behaviors.
• Negative Reinforcement vs. Punishment: Here’s how to tell the differences.
• Understanding Observable Behaviors: Observable behaviors play a vital role in behavioral psychology.

Sources:

Gover, H. C., Hanley, G. P., & Ruppel, K. W. (2022). On the generality of preference for contingent reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(2), 318–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.892

Kanter, J. W., Landes, S. J., Busch, A. M., Rusch, L. C., Brown, K. R., Baruch, D. E., & Holman, G. I. (2006). The effect of contingent reinforcement on target variables in outpatient psychotherapy for depression: a successful and unsuccessful case using functional analytic psychotherapy. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39(4), 463–467. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2006.21-06