Effects of a Variable‐ratio Reinforcement Schedule With Changing Criteria on Exercise in Obese and Nonobese Boys

Abstract

The effects of a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement on pedaling a a stationary exercise bicycle were examined. Three obese and three nonobese 11-year-old boys were individually tested five times weekly for approximately 12 weeks. A changing-criterion design was used in which each successive criterion was increased over mean performance rate in the previous phase by approximately 15%. The contingencies of the successive criteria resulted in systematic increases in rate of exercise for all children. Final variable-ratio rates were higher than those under fixed ratios found in previous research, with rates for 2 of the 3 obese boys approximating those of the nonobese.

Increasing therapeutic exercise participation by individuals with acquired brain injury using self‐recording and reinforcement

“…The results of this study are consistent with previous studies showing that the amount of time spent exercising can be increased by providing contingencies for participating in exercise (e.g., DeLuca & Holborn, 1985, 1992Thompson & Born, 1999). Despite the clear increases in exercise that were demonstrated in this study, the possible independent effects of self-recording and contingencies were not evaluated.…”

“…A handful of studies have shown that reinforcement procedures can increase a broader range of behavior involved in exercise participation by adults with dementia (e.g., Thompson & Born, 1999), children and adolescents with ABI (Gurdin, Huber, & Cochran, 2005), and children with typically functioning (e.g., DeLuca & Holborn, 1985, 1992. For example, DeLuca and Holborn (1992) provided token reinforcers on variable ratio (VR) schedules that were based on the rate of revolutions peddled on a stationary bicycle.…”

“…For example, DeLuca and Holborn (1992) provided token reinforcers on variable ratio (VR) schedules that were based on the rate of revolutions peddled on a stationary bicycle. The completion of each VR requirement produced one point, which was signaled by a bell and a light.…”

The Gradual Extinction of Transferred Avoidance Stimulus Functions

“…ratio (VR) (e.g., Ader & Tatum, 1961;DeLuca & Holborn, 1985;DeLuca & Holborn, 1992;Galizio, 1979;Harzem, Lowe, & Bagshaw, 1978;Hayes, Brownstein, Haas & Greenway, 1986;Joyce & Chase, 1990;Kudadjie-Gyamfi & Rachlin, 2002;Matthews, Shimoff, Catania, & Sagvolden, 1977;Shimoff, Catania, & Matthews, 1981;Weiner, 1970;Wulfert, Greenway, Farkas, Hayes, Dougher, 1994). This has led to rigorous attention to the implementation of instructions, for they can not only affect contingency-shaped behaviour, but also disguise schedule sensitivity (Hayes, Brownstein, Zettle, Rosenfarb, & Korn, 1986).…”

Uma introdução aos delineamentos experimentais de sujeito único

“…Um exemplo do emprego do delineamento de mudança de critério (figura adaptada de De Luca & Holborn, 1992). LB = linha de base ou condição controle.…”