The Effects of Fixed Ratio Values on Concurrent Mand and Play Responses

Abstract

Three children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disabilities emitted a high rate of mands and a low-to-zero rate of appropriate play responses when the two responses were reinforced on concurrent Fixed Ratio 1 (FR1) schedules. When mands were reinforced on an FR10 schedule and play responses were concurrently reinforced on an FR1 schedule, play responses increased. Two participants' mands decreased from baseline levels but were maintained, and the third participant's mands increased. Implications of the use of choice procedures for clinical settings are discussed.

Systematic Review of Procedures and Outcomes of Choice-Based Interventions with Children

“…Eight experiments used differential reinforcement with asymmetrical-choice options to target behavior related to adherence with demands and task completion (Bernstein et al, 2009;Crowley et al, 2020;Kelley et al, 2011;Reed & Martens, 2008, Experiments 1 & 2; Rivas et al, 2014, Experiments 1 & 2; Vaz et al, 2011). One study evaluated the effects of altering the relative reinforcement schedules on mands and play behavior with individuals aged 3 years old with ASD or other developmental disabilities (Bernstein et al, 2009). The participants engaged in a higher rate of mands compared to play behavior when the reinforcement schedules were equated for both responses options.…”