Development and Modification of a Response Class via Positive and Negative Reinforcement: A Translational Approach

Abstract

When responses function to produce the same reinforcer, a response class exists. Researchers have examined response classes in applied settings; however, the challenges associated with conducting applied research on response class development have recently necessitated the development of an analogue response class model. To date, little research has examined response classes that are strengthened by negative reinforcement. The current investigation was designed to develop a laboratory model of a response class through positive reinforcement (i.e., points exchangeable for money) and through negative reinforcement (i.e., the avoidance of scheduled point losses) with 11 college students as participants and clicks as the operant. Results of both the positive and negative reinforcement evaluations showed that participants usually selected the least effortful response that produced points or the avoidance of point losses, respectively. The applied implications of the findings are discussed, along with the relevance of the present model to the study of punishment and resurgence.

Parameters of reinforcement and response‐class hierarchies

“…These results supported the interpretation that the three button presses had become members of the same response class and that the responses were hierarchically organized along the dimension of response effort. Mendres and Borrero (2010) replicated and extended the results of Shabani et al with 11 college students. Mendres and Borrero operationalized effort as differences in reinforcement schedule requirements and showed that responseclass hierarchies developed under contingencies of both positive and negative reinforcement.…”

“…In particular, our use of a trial-based arrangement was obviously different from what often occurs in real-world settings. Future research might attempt to replicate these results using free-operant procedures similar to those of Shabani et al (2009) and Mendres and Borrero (2010). Because we isolated variables singly to identify the influence of each, we cannot speak to the effects of combinations of variables, which may covary simultaneously in the natural environment.…”

Differential reinforcement of other behavior increases untargeted behavior

“…Although data from P17 and P18 may suggest the contrary, student participation did not exceed 2 hr. The current human-operant analogue is therefore limited in ecological validity by the number of programmable responses and overall brevity of the procedures often observed with some related humanoperant research (e.g., Mendres & Borrero, 2010;St. Peter Pipkin, Vollmer, & Sloman, 2010).…”

Evaluating the presence versus absence of the reinforcer during extinction

“…The first set of participants used a custom software program previously used by Mendres and Borrero (2010). The first set of participants used a custom software program previously used by Mendres and Borrero (2010).…”

“…Two different apparatus were used: a computer program and a mechanical apparatus. The first set of participants used a custom software program previously used by Mendres and Borrero (2010). Across all conditions, the computer monitor displayed two squares that moved at a constant speed across the screen.…”