Classification of Operant Contingencies



Response Cost

Definition: Removal (loss) of a specific reinforcer contingent on the occurrence of R, which produces a decrease in the frequency of R

Effects of Response Cost: Similar to punishment (rapid response suppression)

Terminological and Procedural Distinctions:

Response cost synonyms: Fine, negative punishment

Extinction: Termination of a reinforcement contingency

Time out: Removal of access to reinforcement

Response effort: Energy expenditure of a given response

Procedural Variations:

Source of removed reinforcement (earned vs. noncongingent)

Cost alone vs. cost plus gain (Sr+)

Cost parameters: Magnitude, schedule, disposition of reinforcer

Other Considerations:

More efficient than time out

Usually less objectionable than punishment

Impractical when client has limited supply of reinforcers

Potential negative side effects

McSweeny (1978)

“Effects of response cost on the behavior of a million person: Charging for directory assistance in Cincinnati”

General focus: To demonstrate the large-scale application of response cost

Specific aim:To evaluate (retrospectively) a surcharge for directory assistance calls in Cincinnati

Procedures

Participants:

Experimental: DA users in Cincinnati (1962-1976 , N=1.39 mil)

Control: DA users from outside Cincinnati (N=?)

DV:

# Local and long distance DA calls (product measure)

Retrieved from magnetic tape records

Reliability = 100%

Procedures:

BL: No charges

Response cost: 3 free locals/month, then 20¢ each

Experimental design?

Results

BL: Gradual ∆+ in local and long distance calls

Response cost: Local calls ( Large ∆-; Long distance ( no ∆

Note: ∆- in local calls prior to response cost (announcement)

Implications and Extensions

Major contributions:

Practical, large-scale application of response cost

Demonstration of cumulative large impact of small consequence and small individual behavior change

Retrospective program evaluation

Limitations:

No significant limitations

Extensions:

Cost contingency has been adopted as standard charge throughout the industry

Electrical energy usage?

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