B-10: Identify and distinguish among concurrent, multiple, mixed, and chained schedules of reinforcement ©
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Target terms: Concurrent Schedules, Multiple Schedules, Mixed Schedules, and Chained Schedules of Reinforcement.
Concurrent Schedules of Reinforcement
Definition: This requires that three conditions be met. (1) Two or more contingencies of reinforcement/basic schedules (2) operate independently and simultaneously (3) for two or more behaviors. Each schedule has an Sd.
Example in everyday context: A person selects a credit card based on many offers. Each offer has its own reinforcing contingency and schedule of reinforcement, such as cash back contingent on a certain amount of spending, airline miles for travel, and so on.
Example in clinical context: During a treatment analysis, a patient consistently chooses to work under a fixed interval schedule rather than a variable ratio schedule. For example, they choose to work for exactly 9 minutes before earning a break, instead of needing to complete an average of 9 comprehension questions per break.
Example in supervision context: During the early stages of supervision, the supervisee might indicate preferences and choices about which clinical rotations to do, or what projects to focus on, from an array of many choices. Each choice would involve different reinforcing contingencies and schedules, such as different amounts of time spent doing different motivating things.
Why it matters: This is basically choice making in the context of different reinforcement options. We, and our clients and colleagues and supervisees, all have opportunities to choose between simultaneously available options throughout our days.
Multiple Schedules of Reinforcement
Definition: More than one schedule of reinforcement (including none – meaning extinction) one after another, with a clear signal (Sd) that each schedule is currently in effect.
Example in everyday context: When Claire writes an email to her colleague about an urgent matter and the colleague’s vacation responder is on, that is signal to Claire that reinforcement (reply from the colleague) will be delayed. When the colleague shows up as “online” in the work chat, that signals to Claire that reinforcement will be immediately available. Keep in mind that the “online” and “vacation responder” statuses from the colleague only function as Sds for Claire because the colleague’s behavior actually matches those stimuli. (In other words, if the colleague never responded to the chat even when online, then the online status would not signal to Claire that her colleague is available.)
Example in clinical context: Multiple schedules are commonly used to thin schedules of reinforcement and bring responding under the control of clearly contrived Sds so that the individual can have an easier time navigating the natural environment. For example, Ben may display access-maintained hitting. The hitting is eliminated by implementing an FR1 (continuous) reinforcement schedule for an alternative behavior (e.g. pushing a communication button). In order to thin the schedule and make it possible for this treatment to remain effective for Ben in the home and school environments, a multiple schedule is then implemented. A green card is used as the Sd for the known FR1 schedule. A red card is used to signal a new, second schedule, which is extinction (no reinforcement of aggression or of communication). Ben’s responding comes under stimulus control of the Sds.
Example in supervision context: During in-person group supervision, Khalil ensures that each participant has his full attention when they are speaking. When a peer is speaking, therefore, the other supervisees learn that Khalil’s attention is unavailable. (The Sd is the peer speaking, and the schedule is extinction.) When no one else is speaking, the supervisees experience a variable ratio schedule contingent on raising their hand, because Khalil responds to people in random order when they have a question.
Why it matters: Understanding multiple schedules is very valuable when solving problems related to stimulus control. We often need certain behaviors to happen under certain conditions and not others!
Mixed Schedules of Reinforcement
Definition: Very similar to a multiple schedule, except that the schedules are not signaled. Basically, a mixed schedule is two or more basic schedules presented one after another with no Sds
Example: Adam works on his job of loading dishes. Reinforcement (attention from staff) is delivered sometimes based on amount of time since last reinforcement, and sometimes based on Adam’s work completion. Nothing in the environment lets Adam know which it will be.
Why it matters: Mixed schedules come up a lot in the natural environment! Depending on the nature and sources of reinforcement, we may not have clear signals to let us know exactly when/under what conditions reinforcement will be available.
Chained Schedules of Reinforcement
Definition: Again, similar to a multiple schedule, but it must occur in a specific order. At least two basic schedules each have a signal. The end of one means the start of another, until the person gets to the end of the chain and accesses reinforcement. Topographies (what the behaviors look like) in each step of the chain may be the same or different from the previous ones, and the presentation of each step serves as reinforcement for having completed the previous one, as well as an Sd for completing the new step.
Example: Elsa is a school psychologist. She evaluates students, which requires multiple actions in a specific order (e.g. calling parents, observing the student, administering direct testing, writing the report, and so forth.) Each part of the eval process informs what she does next. After sending the report, she submits a bill for her services and receives payment (end of the chain).
Why it matters: Many adaptive behaviors in life require more than one topography, executed in a particular order. (Doing dishes, checking email, planning a wedding, going SCUBA diving, driving, etc.)