The effects of feedback and performance of the shapee on the shaper's use of reinforcement
Date
1988
Authors
Agnew, Judy Lynn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Research from a variety of settings suggests that people responsible for executing behavioral interventions ("trainers") often display a reluctance to apply systematic intervention contingencies. The present study found evidence for reluctance on the part of trainers to use positive reinforcement in a computer simulation of shaping. A 2 by 3 factorial design was used to study the effects of differential feedback and varying levels of deteriorating shapee performance on the shaping behavior of 200 undergraduate students. Reluctance to reinforce was found to vary depending on the feedback condition, and on the severity of deterioration received. Possible explanations for shaper reluctance to reinforce were explored, implications for applied training programs discussed, and ideas for future research proposed.