Use of Extrinsic Rewards As an Approach to Behavior Modification

Behavior modification is a method used to extinguish undesirable behavior and replace it with acceptable behavior. It follows B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning in which positive or negative reinforcement shapes behavior. Extrinsic rewards are one method of positive reinforcement. Consistently applied in a well-defined program, extrinsic rewards will develop appropriate behavior.

Strategy

• Before starting a behavior modification program it is important to understand the purpose behind the behavior. Pay attention to what triggers the behavior (the antecedent), the behavior itself and the result. For example, the same behavior may be used to gain attention or to avoid a task. If a student yells when the bell rings for recess it could be because he thinks it's hilarious to mimic the bell or because something is happening at recess that frightens him. If he happily goes outside for recess and everyone in the class laughs at him, then the purpose is obvious. But if he drags his feet and doesn't want to go outside then something is happening during recess. If that's the case and the teacher punishes him for yelling by keeping him inside during recess, then the undesirable behavior is reinforced. This illustrates why the purpose must be determined before consequences are enforced.

Extrinsic Rewards

• Using extrinsic rewards to reinforce desirable behavior is a very successful behavior modification method. They can be verbal, material reinforcers, a token system or a behavior chart. Whichever method is chosen, the key is to consistently offer the reward every time the desired behavior is exhibited. It is also more successful for the reward to be given as soon as the desired behavior is accomplished.

Verbal

• A verbal reward is simply praise, approval and encouragement. Verbal rewards alone are not always the most powerful extrinsic reward for younger children. Additionally, verbal awards do not offer visual reinforcement.

Material Reinforcers

• Material reinforcers are items given as positive rewards. Keep these small and inexpensive, such as candy or items from the dollar store. They can be phased out over time, giving one for every occurrence of the desired behavior in the beginning then gradually lengthening the time in-between the rewards until the goal is met and they are stopped.

Token System

• The purpose of a token system is to provide a tangible symbol that the desired behavior was performed while postponing the actual reward. This provides visual reinforcement of success while encouraging work toward a goal. The tokens can be anything---stickers on a chart, pennies, checkers or a Velcro shape placed on a board. There should be a time limit or a specific number of tokens that must be acquired before the reward is given.

Behavior Charts

• Behavior charts are essentially a token system in a different form. Create a chart that states the desired behavior and includes spaces that can be marked (or use stickers) every time the behavior is achieved. The number of spaces determines how many times the behavior must be done before the reward is given.