Procedural Integrity and the Shaping of Behavior: Effects of a Single Error
Document Type
Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
Date Completed
7-2024
First Committee Member
Dickson, Chata A.
Second Committee Member
Ahearn, William H.
Third Committee Member
Peck, Sara
Abstract
We evaluated effects of a single errant reinforcer delivery on skill acquisition with two typically developing adults. Shaping procedures were implemented to teach 4, two-step tasks under two experimental conditions, high integrity (HI) and error of commission (CO). For each task, one of the three objects provided was irrelevant (non-target object [NTO]). In the CO condition, instruction began after a participant touched the NTO and received a reinforcer. In three of four comparisons the training was more efficient in the HI condition, and for both participants, mastery was not reached within the 20-min time limit for one task in the CO condition. Additionally, the proportional frequency and duration of touches to the NTO were greater in the CO condition for both participants. Our findings support prior research showing that a single reinforcer can substantially influence subsequent behavior and that errors of commission can interfere with skill acquisition.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Jaclyn, "Procedural Integrity and the Shaping of Behavior: Effects of a Single Error" (2024). Master’s Theses - College of Arts and Sciences. 296.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/castheses/296
