When your child refuses to clean up their toys, pulls their siblings’ hair, or throws a tantrum, rewarding them might seem counterintuitive. We completely understand your hesitation. However, reinforcing positive behavior — which can include rewards — increases the chances that those behaviors will be repeated. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, a learning framework where behaviors are shaped by their consequences. As a parent, utilizing this reinforcement can help promote desirable behaviors, such as tidying up toys and avoiding hair-pulling.
One effective method of reinforcement in parenting is called intermittent reinforcement. Once a new behavior is established, parents can use this technique to further encourage it. Instead of rewarding the behavior every time, intermittent reinforcement involves providing reinforcement sporadically.
What Exactly is Intermittent Reinforcement?
Intermittent reinforcement is a conditioning strategy where a reward or punishment is given unpredictably for a desired behavior. This contrasts with continuous reinforcement, where a child receives a reward each time they exhibit the desired behavior. For instance, under continuous reinforcement, a child might earn an extra hour of screen time every time they complete their homework. In contrast, with intermittent reinforcement, the child would receive that reward only occasionally and unpredictably, maintaining their motivation to complete the task.
How Does an Intermittent Reinforcement Schedule Work?
In an intermittent reinforcement schedule, varying intervals of time pass between rewards. While the nature of the reward remains the same (like an hour of screen time after homework), the timing is random. This unpredictability means the child is more likely to consistently engage in the desired behavior, as they can’t predict when the reward will come.
Why is this approach effective? If you always received what you wanted every time you did something but then suddenly stopped, you’d likely revert to old habits. However, knowing that a reward could come at any time keeps you engaged. This principle explains why intermittent reinforcement can lead to more sustainable behavior than continuous reinforcement. The thrill of the potential reward drives us to continue pursuing it.
Types of Intermittent Schedules
There are four types of intermittent reinforcement schedules, divided into two categories: interval (time-based) and ratio (response-based):
- Fixed Interval Schedule: A response is rewarded after a set period.
- Fixed Ratio Schedule: A response is rewarded after a specific number of actions.
- Variable Interval Schedule: A response is rewarded after unpredictable time intervals.
- Variable Ratio Schedule: A response is rewarded after an unpredictable number of actions.
Examples of Intermittent Reinforcement
A relatable analogy for intermittent reinforcement is visiting an arcade. Your child may not win every game or the same number of tickets each time they play. The sporadic wins (tickets) create excitement and keep them coming back for more.
Fishing also exemplifies intermittent reinforcement. You may take your child to the same spot repeatedly, hoping for a big catch. Even if they don’t reel in fish every time, past successes motivate them to keep trying.
From a parenting perspective, consider a scenario where you discipline your child for public tantrums. If you consistently give them a toy every time they throw a fit, that’s continuous reinforcement. If you only address the behavior occasionally, it becomes an irregular form of reinforcement.
Examples by Age Group
Ages 4 to 7
If your child is on their iPad and you give them five more minutes when they ask, they may expect the same the next time. If you don’t grant the request later, they might feel upset.
Ages 8 to 10
If you deny your child’s request to swap a healthy lunch item for a snack but permit it a week later, they may keep asking, hoping for the same outcome.
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In summary, intermittent reinforcement can be a powerful tool in parenting, promoting positive behaviors through unpredictability and the excitement of potential rewards. It’s a strategy that can lead to lasting changes in your child’s behavior.
Keyphrase: Intermittent Reinforcement in Parenting
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